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    Dylan Sampson (knee) questionable to return Week 1

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    CLE Running Back #22
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    Browns RB Dylan Sampson (knee) went to the locker room and is questionable to return Week 1 against the Jaguars.

    Sampson went to the medical tent during the first quarter of the Browns’ Week 1 game against the Jaguars. He then headed to the locker room to be further evaluated for a knee injury and is questionable to return. Sampson is the Browns’ third-down/passing-down back; Quinshon Judkins will see more of those snaps while Sampson is out.
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  • CLE Running Back #22
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    He’ll miss at least the next four games with a knee ailment that had him spotted on crutches. It will likely be longer than that. Sampson can be dropped in standard leagues.
  • CLE Running Back #22
    He was spotted in crutches after the game. Sampson’s absence will leave Raheim Sanders as a potential third-down back and primary backup for Quinshon Judkins. Jaleel McLaughlin is a potential practice squad elevation if Sampson is placed on injured reserve.
  • CLE Running Back #22
    Sampson returned a kickoff and played on a third down play against the Jaguars before exiting in the first quarter. He left for the locker room with a knee injury and was promptly ruled out. Third-string running back Raheim Sanders will get more run with Sampson out.
  • CLE Running Back #10
    According to Cleveland’s Mary Kay Cabot, Judkins was “the object of much of the chippiness on Tuesday.” According to multiple beat reporters, Browns coach Todd Monken abruptly ended practice early yesterday because defenders were being a little too physical. The team could simply be giving Judkins the day off after taking some hits yesterday, but this is worth keeping an eye on. Browns No. 2 RB Dylan Sampson operated as the team’s starter with Judkins sitting out.
  • CLE Running Back #10
    Judkins earning a three-down role would be a massive development for the second-year back. Last season, Judkins appeared on only 35 third downs last season for the Browns, which ranked third-most on the team behind Jerome Ford (113) and Dylan Sampson (44). With Ford now in Washington, Judkins and Sampson should push for plenty of opportunities on third down this season, but any additional work for Judkins would add to what is already a strong fantasy profile. Despite not being known for his abilities as a pass-catcher, Judkins still managed to finish second on the team in routes (162) last season and put together a respectable 26-171-0 receiving line on 36 targets. He’s currently boasting an early fifth-round ADP, but Judkins could have a chance to easily exceed his draft slot if his third-down usage is ramped up under Todd Monken.
  • CLE Running Back #22
    Sampson led the Browns in carries but still ceded six attempts to his backups and another five to Cleveland’s wide receivers. Sampson was ultimately doomed to committee duties the moment he was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round. The team had already taken Quinshon Judkins two rounds earlier and Jerome Ford was in the mix as a competent backup. Even when he got the opportunity for more work, Sampson wasn’t particularly impressive. The rookie averaged a dismal 2.7 yards per carry en route to just 175 rushing yards. Sampson wasn’t the only back to struggle in the Browns’ horrendous offensive environment, but he did play notably worse than his backfield compatriots. Browns fans and dynasty managers will hope that Sampson can take over as the team’s top option on passing downs next year. He caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two scores this year while averaging a stellar 1.9 yards per route run. With Ford headed into free agency during the offseason, his role should be Sampson’s for the taking.
  • CLE Running Back #22
    Sampson was the third running back on the field to start the game for the Browns, as Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams both saw snaps before the fourth-round rookie. Sampson’s 11 carries wound up leading the team, but his 27 yards weren’t what fantasy managers were hoping for. He had a 25-yard run negated by a holding penalty, but this was a disappointing day for Sampson, who had a chance to step in as the lead back. Sampson will likely find himself in a committee again when the Browns face the Bengals next week.
  • CLE Running Back #22
    With Sampson officially active, the rookie fourth-rounder has a chance to lead the Browns’ backfield with Quinshon Judkins (leg/ankle) sidelined. When Judkins was inactive for Week 1, Sampson stepped up to lead the Browns’ backfield with 20 total opportunities, and caught 8-of-8 targets for 64 yards. Playing in a rain-soaked Cleveland, Sampson should be a safe bet for double-digit touches and plenty of check downs from Shedeur Sanders, who has made a living off targeting his running backs this season. While Sampson is active, the Browns did declare QB Dillon Gabriel, CB Myles Harden, OL Kendrick Green, OT Jeremiah Byers, WR Jamari Thrash, TE David Njoku, and DT Sam Kamara inactive for Week 17.
  • CLE Running Back #22
    We still don’t know the specifics of Sampson’s hand injury that sidelined him for Weeks 15 and 16, but the rookie running back practiced every day this week and has a good chance of seeing a lead role for the Browns if he’s active. Sampson served as the Browns’ RB1 all the way back in Week 1, and wound up catching eight passes for 64 yards while adding another 12-29-0 on the ground. Sampson would have some appeal as an RB3/FLEX option if he’s available for this week’s fantasy championships. If Sampson is able to go, Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams would likely split backfield duties.
  • CLE Running Back #22
    Sampson should be rostered wherever he is available. With RB Quinshon Judkins joining RB Jerome Ford (hamstring) on injured reserve after fracturing his fibula and dislocating his ankle, Sampson could operate as the Browns’ featured running back, if healthy, in Week 17. Among NFL RBs with 25-plus targets, Sampson (2.07) is the only player to average 2.00 yards per route run or more. He forces missed tackles as a rusher, 0.18 per attempt, at the same rate as Judkins, albeit via a much smaller sample. Sampson’s only competition for backfield touches is UDFA rookie RB Raheim Sanders.

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  • PIT Wide Receiver #11
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    Steelers downgraded WR Michael Pittman (foot) to out for Week 2 against the Patriots.

    Pittman was unable to get on the practice field this week and will now miss Week 2 as a result of a foot injury. DK Metcalf enters the WR2 discussion in a difficult matchup on paper after ranking in the top five in expected fantasy points in Week 1, for an offense near the top of the league in pass rate over expectation in their first game. Third-year receiver Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard see an uptick in value, although both are difficult starts outside the deepest of leagues. Tight end pat Freiermuth can be started as a back-end TE1 in a pinch.
  • NYJ Wide Receiver #11
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    Jets placed WR Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) on injured reserve.

    The news was first reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. Cooper is going on injured reserve for an ankle sprain. He’ll be sidelined for at least four games with a designation to return. Rapoport mentions that Cooper should be back “shortly.” Cooper could still make an impact in the second half of his rookie season, but he isn’t worth holding in most fantasy formats at this point.
  • DET Defensive Coordinator
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    Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated believes it’s “worth considering” replacing Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard if Detroit’s defense doesn’t improve.

    Appearing on the Rich Eisen Show Friday, Breer was quick to point out the Lions’ defensive struggles. Detroit has allowed 917 yards and 71 points in two games. Breer noted that while the Lions are dealing with injuries in the secondary, that doesn’t excuse their problems in the running game. Detroit has allowed 294 rushing yards, 4.8 yards per carry and four rushing touchdowns this year. While it’s still early in the season, Breer says the Lions defensive performance isn’t a “one-off” and that it’s been “messy” for a while. It was a stark contrast from NFL Insider Ian Rapoport’s take on the Pat McAfee show earlier this week where he said, “My guess is the Lions are going to be fine.” Lions HC Dan Campbell has pulled the plug on his offensive coordinator midseason twice in five years, but has afforded his defensive coordinators a longer leash. Sheppard was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator after Aaron Glenn was hired by the Jets prior to the 2025 season.
  • HOU Wide Receiver
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    NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said he “would not be surprised” if Texans WR Jaylin Noel is more involved in Week 2 against the Bengals.

    Rapoport adds that Noel is “really talented.” We agree, but the Texans have consistently played WR Xavier Hutchinson ahead of him. Noel, 24, is an explosive player, and the Texans will be looking for playmakers to contribute with WR Nico Collins (hamstring) sidelined this week. Noel is officially on the boom-bust FLEX radar in Week 2 against the Bengals.
  • HOU Wide Receiver #14
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    NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Texans WR Kayshon Boutte could be used “a lot” in Week 2 against the Bengals.

    Rapoport’s full quote is winding and hyperbolic, but it sounds like Boutte will be a featured receiver if the Texans believe he is ready to handle that role with WR Nico Collins (hamstring) sidelined. Rapoport notes that Boutte played in “the same” offensive scheme during his time with the Patriots, so adjusting to his new team’s playbook theoretically should have been easy. That said, Boutte caught just one pass last week. He can be treated as a volatile but viable FLEX starter in Week 2.
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    Giants LT Andrew Thomas (ankle) was limited on Friday.

    Giants RG Francis Mauigoa (shoulder) was limited as well. Both offensive linemen are on track to face the Rams in Week 2’s Monday Night Football game, which is good news for QB Jaxson Dart.
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    Rams WR Jordan Whittington (quad) did not practice on Friday.

    Whittington is WR1 Puka Nacua’s direct backup, and Nacua appeared on the injury report today with a hip injury. Neither player practiced. This situation is worth monitoring closely.
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    Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) is doubtful for Week 2 against the Panthers.

    The Falcons have already named QB Cooper Rush (back) the Week 2 starter. Tagovailoa would only serve as a backup if he is somehow active. He does not need to be rostered in 12-team leagues.
  • TB Wide Receiver #11
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    Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan (knee) is questionable to play in Week 2 against the Browns.

    This is a little surprising. The Buccaneers seem to be taking it very slowly as they bring McMillan back from his knee injury. At this point, he must be treated as being truly questionable to play. He is a boom-bust FLEX if active.
  • PHI Defensive Tackle #98
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    Eagles DT Jalen Carter (wrist) was removed from the injury report and will play in Week 2 against the Titans.

    Eagles CB Cooper DeJean (calf/abdomen) was also cleared to play, though S Andrew Mukuba (knee) is questionable to play after logging a limited session on Friday. The Eagles’ D/ST should have a decent week against the Titans.