Fowler: Dylan Sampson will miss ‘significant time’

The Browns opened Sampson’s practice window today, so it’s a bit odd to see him sit out of the session entirely. They were likely giving Sampson the option to suit up even though he may not be fully ready to return. With Quinshon Judkins injured and Raheim Sanders on IR, the Browns are clearly desperate at running back. If Sampson doesn’t play on Sunday, the backfield will be split between Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. This is likely a fantasy situation to avoid at all costs.

Judkins suffered a potentially serious ankle injury in Week 5 and could miss Week 6 against the Ravens if he’s unable to practice in the next couple days. That could leave Jaleel McLaughlin as the Browns’ lead back against Baltimore. Dylan Sampson (knee) could also suit up if he’s able to practice after a four-week stint on IR.

Sampson was placed on injured reserve in mid-September with a knee injury. His return could be an immediate factor in the Browns backfield with Quinshon Judkins likely out with an ankle injury. Sampson could compete for backfield touches with Jaleel McLaughlin in Week 6 against the Ravens if he’s active.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.