Browns place Sampson on IR, sign McLaughlin after Week 1 loss

Key points

• Sampson, a 2025 fourth-round pick, was placed on IR after sustaining a knee injury during the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
• The Browns signed RB Jaleel McLaughlin to the active roster, elevating him from the practice squad to fill the void left by Sampson.
• McLaughlin, a former Denver Bronco, joins a backfield behind Quinshon Judkins and Raheim Sanders.
• The team released CB D’Angelo Ross and DT Chris Williams from the practice squad.
• Practice squad additions include RB Eric Gray, OT Obinna Eze, OT Xavier Truss, and punter Wes Pahl.
• Pahl’s return is notable as he was previously released by the Browns before Week 1 to make room for other players.

Background

The Browns have faced roster instability this season, including earlier moves to keep four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and the release of punter Wes Pahl before Week 1. Sampson’s injury follows a Week 1 loss where the team struggled with identity and offensive execution.

How outlets are covering it

Dawgs By Nature highlights the broader context of the Browns’ 'identity' issues and snap count concerns following their Week 1 loss. The official Cleveland Browns release provides detailed player bios, noting McLaughlin’s career stats and Eze’s status under the International Player Pathway Program. NBC Sports focuses on the depth chart implications, noting that McLaughlin and Sanders will compete for touches behind Judkins, and questions how the split will work given Sanders’ recent performance.

Why it matters

Sampson’s IR placement significantly impacts the Browns’ running game depth. McLaughlin’s elevation provides a veteran option, but the team must determine how to balance the workload between Judkins, Sanders, and McLaughlin. The return of Pahl also signals a shift in special teams strategy after his earlier release.

What to watch

The Browns will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. The team will monitor Quinshon Judkins’ ankle status, which could further alter the running back rotation. The Browns will also evaluate the new practice squad additions, particularly the offensive line additions of Eze and Truss.