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2026 NFL backfield

Cleveland Browns running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Quinshon Judkins

Preferred handcuff

Dylan Sampson

Sampson clears his knee tag and is RB2

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Quinshon Judkins’s handcuff breakdown

Week 7 analysis published .

The game covered by this analysis has started or finished. This is a record of that window, not a recommendation for the next game.

How the work could change

Cleveland's only running back on today's Week 7 inactive list, updated 11:45 a.m. ET, is Audric Estime - Sampson is not on it, so he has cleared the knee designation he carried into the weekend and is dressed behind Quinshon Judkins. That makes him the No. 2 with Estime down and Raheim Sanders on injured reserve, with Jaleel McLaughlin third. Sampson is free almost everywhere; for him to matter Judkins would have to sit, and Judkins has consolidated this backfield since returning from a Week 5 ankle injury. Fact: Estime inactive, Sampson dressed, depth order. Projection: Sampson's pass-catching profile suggests he would lead a replacement committee rather than share it.

Audric Estime is inactive for Week 7 against Tennessee and Raheim Sanders is on injured reserve, leaving Dylan Sampson and Jaleel McLaughlin as the backs dressed behind Quinshon Judkins. Sampson, who had been working back from a knee issue and an earlier IR stint, is not on the inactive list. Judkins practised in full and has taken the overwhelming share of backfield opportunities, so Sampson's value this week is contingent. In dynasty he remains the more interesting long-term asset of the two backups on his receiving profile.

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The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Cleveland Browns, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Tue, Oct 27, 2:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Cleveland Browns full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Quinshon JudkinsPublished starter		Three-down back2025 · Round 2 · Pick 36active
RB2
Dylan SampsonPublished handcuff		Receiving back2025 · Round 4 · Pick 126active
RB3
Jaleel McLaughlin		Change-of-pace backUndraftedactive
RB4
Audric Estime		Short-yardage specialist2024 · Round 5 · Pick 147active
RB5
Raheim Sanders		Early-down runnerDraft history unavailableinjured reserve
FB1
Michael Burton		Fullback2015 · Round 5 · Pick 168active
Unlisted
Eric Gray		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablenot on roster
Unlisted
Jaret Patterson		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Quinshon Judkins

Age 22 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment

Back for Week 7 against Tennessee: limited Wednesday and Thursday, then off the final injury report, with Monken optimistic all week. Cleveland's clear RB1 at 71% of designed rush attempts before the injury, though efficiency has been poor at roughly 3.0 yards per carry on 73 attempts. The real threat is Dylan Sampson's return from IR eating the pass-game work. Hold everywhere.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 24, 4:00 AM EDT.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 2 · Pick 36

Drafted by CLE; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 6 recorded games include 90 carries and 19 receptions on 21 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Receiving back

Dylan Sampson

Age 22 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Not establishedDated board designation: Questionable
Saved scouting assessment

The IR question is answered: activated Oct. 24 with no injury designation and productive at once in the 27-24 win over Tennessee - six carries for 45 yards with a 19-yard run that set up the go-ahead score, plus three catches for 32 yards. Quinshon Judkins, also back from injury, stays the volume back (17 for 96, two TDs). Sampson is the passing-game complement and a deeper-league flex.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 26, 3:54 AM EDT.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Quinshon Judkins. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Quinshon Judkins. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A receiving specialist can retain passing-down work without becoming the lead runner. A bigger rushing role could go to a different teammate even if this player appears higher on the chart.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 4 · Pick 126

Drafted by CLE; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 2 recorded games include 6 carries and 3 receptions on 3 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Change-of-pace back

Jaleel McLaughlin

Age 26 · 4 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

The opening has closed. The room he briefly fronted is healthy again: Judkins returned for 17 carries, 96 yards and two touchdowns, and Sampson came off IR on Oct. 24 and produced immediately. McLaughlin was active Oct. 25 but drew no reported touches - Deshaun Watson framed him as available to step in if needed. Third in a two-man rotation; droppable in redraft.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 26, 3:54 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Quinshon Judkins. The dated board currently prefers Dylan Sampson for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 5 recorded games include 11 carries and 4 receptions on 6 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Short-yardage specialist

Audric Estime

Age 23 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

The thin room he was signed into refilled before he could use it: inactive for Week 7 on Oct. 25 while Judkins returned for 17 carries and two touchdowns and Sampson came off IR the day before. With McLaughlin also ahead of him and active, Estime is fourth at best. No reported reason for the inactive and no return timetable. Off the redraft watch list.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 26, 3:54 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Quinshon Judkins. The dated board currently prefers Dylan Sampson for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Jaleel McLaughlin. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

Short-yardage work can carry touchdown value without a large snap share. A specialist could remain in that package while a teammate inherits the open-field carries and receiving work.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 5 · Pick 147

Drafted by DEN; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 1 recorded game include 9 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB5 · Early-down runner

Raheim Sanders

Age 24 · 2 years of NFL experience · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

Now formally out: the Oct. 13 release that added Estime also placed Sanders on IR with the hip he hurt at the Jets, a minimum four-game absence with no stated timetable. He had appeared in all five games (43 rushing yards, 11 catches for 74 yards), so this ends a depth role, not a featured one. Handcuff value passes to McLaughlin and Estime.

Scouting assessment saved Wed, Oct 14, 3:54 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Quinshon Judkins. The dated board currently prefers Dylan Sampson for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 5 recorded games include 9 carries and 11 receptions on 12 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

FB1 · Fullback

Michael Burton

Age 34 · 11 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Veteran lead blocker and special-teams contributor. Sampson's IR placement reshuffled the running back room but does not change Burton's job; he takes a handful of short-yardage or goal-line carries at most and is outside the backfield pecking order.

Scouting assessment saved Fri, Sep 18, 3:52 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Quinshon Judkins. The dated board currently prefers Dylan Sampson for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A fullback’s place on the chart represents a different assignment from the running-back queue. Blocking or situational touches do not make him the next lead runner when an RB is absent.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2015 · Round 5 · Pick 168

Drafted by DET; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 3 recorded games include 1 carries and 0 receptions on 2 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Eric Gray

Age 26 · 4 years of NFL experience · not on roster

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Signed to the Browns practice squad Sept. 15 in the wave of moves that followed Sampson's IR placement. Pure depth and special-teams insurance; no reported role in the offensive rotation.

Scouting assessment saved Fri, Sep 18, 3:52 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Quinshon Judkins. The dated board currently prefers Dylan Sampson for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is not on roster. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Jaret Patterson

Age 26 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Individual scouting research is pending. The recorded workload and draft history below provide the available context.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Quinshon Judkins. The dated board currently prefers Dylan Sampson for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

The production behind the names

2026 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2026 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Quinshon Judkins
6901942713.3
Dylan Sampson
263775.3
Audric Estime
190197.9
Eric Gray
—————
Jaleel McLaughlin
5114863.7
Jaret Patterson
—————
Michael Burton
31020.1
Raheim Sanders
59111174.5
Quinshon Judkins: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 114 touches
Wk 217 touches
Wk 320 touches
Wk 423 touches
Wk 517 touches
Wk 718 touches
Dylan Sampson: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 2 recorded games in 2026

Wk 10 touches
Wk 79 touches
Audric Estime: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 1 recorded games in 2026

Wk 69 touches
Jaleel McLaughlin: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 5 recorded games in 2026

Wk 21 touches
Wk 41 touches
Wk 50 touches
Wk 613 touches
Wk 70 touches
Michael Burton: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 3 recorded games in 2026

Wk 30 touches
Wk 50 touches
Wk 61 touches
Raheim Sanders: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 5 recorded games in 2026

Wk 14 touches
Wk 23 touches
Wk 35 touches
Wk 44 touches
Wk 54 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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