| News |
|---|
|
Dylan Sampson Dylan Sampson Set for change-of-pace duties
Mon, Sep 1, 2025, 3:02 PM
Sampson is expected to handle a change-of-pace role Week 1 against the Bengals on Sunday, while Jerome Ford leads Cleveland's backfield, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.
Analysis: Sampson, a rookie fourth-round pick, has been heavily involved alongside Ford throughout the preseason with 2025 second-rounder Quinshon Judkins still unsigned, but he's expected to be relegated to complimentary change-of-pace utilization in his regular-season debut. There's a significant possibility that Sampson's involvement grows as his experience at the NFL level does, especially if he's able to impress early, though Cabot also reports that the Browns hope Judkins will report to team facilities this week. Cleveland also claimed UDFA Raheim Sanders off waivers from the Chargers, who boasts a larger frame than Ford or Sampson and could carve out a role in short-yardage situations. |
|
Jerome Ford Jerome Ford Positioned to lead backfield early
Mon, Sep 1, 2025, 2:56 PM
Ford is expected to operate in a workhorse role Week 1 versus the Bengals on Sunday, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.
Analysis: Ford led the Browns in rushing last year, albeit with just 565 yards across 14 regular-season games, and he now looks set for a lead back role at home versus Cincinnati on Sunday, while rookie fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson operates as a change-of-pace back. Cleveland also claimed undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders off waivers last week, who at 6-foot, 230 pounds could contribute in short-yardage situations. Cabot reports that 2025 second-round pick Quinshon Judkins, who hasn't yet signed his rookie deal, could join the Browns soon, so there are considerable avenues for this backfield split to shift as the year progresses. Even if Judkins were to sign immediately, however, Ford and Sampson appear solidified in their roles for Week 1. |
|
Quinshon Judkins Quinshon Judkins Could be signed soon
Mon, Sep 1, 2025, 12:16 PM
Judkins, who has still not yet signed his rookie deal with the Browns, could be back with the team as early as this week, in advance of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Bengals, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.
Analysis: Cabot believes that if Judkins were to sign and report to team facilities he could even contribute Week 1, in some capacity. The NFL is still reviewing the July 12 incident in which Judkins was arrested on a domestic violence and battery charge under its Personal Conduct Policy, though charges against the 2025 second-rounder have been dropped. Cabot also states that the ongoing dispute between Judkins and the Browns over his yet-unsigned rookie contract relates to language surrounding guarantees. Even if Judkins' situation with the team gains clarity soon, he's missed all of training camp and the preseason and would have to ramp his way up before handling any sort of significant role. Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson are positioned to lead Cleveland's backfield Sunday at home against Cincinnati. |
|
Shedeur Sanders Shedeur Sanders Beginning season as No. 3 QB
Thu, Aug 28, 2025, 12:12 PM
Coach Kevin Stefanski noted Thursday that Sanders is in line to be the Browns' emergency third QB on game days, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: While the Browns have added Bailey Zappe to their practice squad, the plan remains for Sanders to be the team's No. 3 QB out of the gate this season. With Kenny Pickett now with the Raiders, Dillon Gabriel will open up the campaign as Joe Flacco's top backup. |
|
Pierre Strong Pierre Strong Reverts to IR
Wed, Aug 27, 2025, 7:09 PM
Strong (undisclosed) cleared waivers Wednesday and reverted to injured reserve, per the NFL's official media site.
Analysis: Strong was evaluated for a concussion during the team's final preseason game, but there was never a confirmed diagnosis. The 2022 fourth-round pick will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season unless he reaches an injury settlement with the Browns. Ahead of Week 1, the Browns have running backs Jerome Ford, Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders in the mix while Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned. |
|
Raheim Sanders Raheim Sanders Scooped up by Cleveland
Wed, Aug 27, 2025, 11:59 AM
The Browns claimed Sanders off waivers from the Chargers on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: The undrafted rookie out of South Carolina failed to make the cut with the Chargers, but he now gets a second NFL opportunity in short order. The Browns let go Pierre Strong on Tuesday, leaving the team with only Jerome Ford, Dylan Sampson and Quinshon Judkins as its backfield options. Judkins remains unsigned and is uncertain to be available for Week 1, likely setting up a timeshare between Ford and Sampson. An injury could quickly thrust Sanders into playing time if he manages to stick around with Cleveland for at least a few weeks. |
|
Shedeur Sanders Shedeur Sanders Beginning season as No. 3 option
Tue, Aug 26, 2025, 3:44 PM
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Dillon Gabriel will work as the top backup to Joe Flacco to begin the regular season, leaving Sanders in the No. 3 role, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Sanders wasn't able to beat out Gabriel for the No. 2 role to begin the regular season, but it's still conceivable that both rookie signal-callers get a chance to line up under center at some point during the 2025 campaign. Cleveland traded Pickett (hamstring) to the Raiders on Monday and cut Tyler Huntley on Sunday, leaving Sanders and Gabriel without further competition as depth options. |
|
Dillon Gabriel Dillon Gabriel Named No. 2 quarterback
Tue, Aug 26, 2025, 3:39 PM
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Gabriel will begin the regular season as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Joe Flacco, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Gabriel will kick off the year as Flacco's top backup, while fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders operates as the emergency No. 3 option. A hamstring injury forced Gabriel to sit out the Browns' preseason opener, but he returned for the team's final two exhibition matchups and looked solid, completing a combined 25 of 37 passes for 272 yards, one touchdown and one interception. |
|
David Bell David Bell Shifts to reserve/NFI list
Tue, Aug 26, 2025, 3:29 PM
The Browns placed Bell (hip) on the reserve/non-football injury list Tuesday, Kelsey Russo of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Bell's placement on the reserve/NFI list will force him to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. A dislocated hip suffered mid-September of last year forced him to spend all but one game of the 2024 campaign on IR, but it remains to be seen whether it's the same issue that has held him out of team activities this offseason. A timetable for his expected return remains undisclosed. |
|
Cedric Tillman Cedric Tillman Back at practice
Tue, Aug 26, 2025, 2:59 PM
Tillman (thumb) is participating in Tuesday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Tillman missed nearly a week of practice due to a minor thumb injury, but he's now back on the field well in advance of Cleveland's regular-season opener against the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 7. He's primed to kick off the 2025 campaign as the No. 2 wide receiver, behind Jerry Jeudy, for starting quarterback Joe Flacco. |
|
Deshaun Watson Deshaun Watson Shifts to reserve/PUP list
Tue, Aug 26, 2025, 2:25 PM
The Browns placed Watson (Achilles) on the reserve/PUP list Tuesday, Kelsey Russo of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Watson will have to miss at least the first four games of the regular season as a result of the transaction, though it remains to be seen exactly when Cleveland expects him to be ready to resume practicing. He spent all of training camp and the preseason sidelined while recovering from a second Achilles procedure undergone Jan. 9. The Browns will open the 2025 campaign with Joe Flacco starting under center and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders behind him on the depth chart. |
|
DeAndre Carter DeAndre Carter Makes lone preseason appearance
Mon, Aug 25, 2025, 6:30 AM
Carter returned three punts for 32 yards and one kickoff for 10 yards in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: Carter, who sat out the first two preseason games, made his lone appearance this summer. His experience as a returner makes him the favorite to claim a return job, but the 53-man roster projection from Zac Jackson of The Athletic puts him on the bubble. Undrafted rookie Gage Larvadain had a strong camp as a receiver and also returned punts during preseason competition. The Browns could leave Carter off the initial 53-man roster and then bring him back after sorting out other issues. |
|
Jamari Thrash Jamari Thrash Finishes strong preseason
Mon, Aug 25, 2025, 5:58 AM
Thrash caught three of five targets for a team-high 42 yards in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: Thrash finished out a strong preseason with nine catches and 94 yards, both tied for most among Browns receivers. His second NFL preseason was better than his first, and he'll likely make the Browns' initial 53-man roster, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Thrash may have proven to coaches that he could be a regular for snaps as a slot receiver. |
|
Kenny Pickett Kenny Pickett Might be available Week 1
Sun, Aug 24, 2025, 12:34 PM
Head coach Kevin Stefanski relayed Sunday that Pickett (hamstring) could be available for the Browns' regular-season opener against the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 7, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Pickett did not play in any of the Browns' three preseason games due to a hamstring injury that he suffered in late July. He's on track to be available for Week 1, but his role (if healthy) remains to be seen. Joe Flacco has been named as the Browns' starting quarterback for the start of the regular season, but the backup job is a three-way competition between Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Regardless of who wins the QB2 job, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports that the Browns are comfortable with carrying four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster to begin the campaign. |
|
Blake Whiteheart Blake Whiteheart Could play Week 1
Sun, Aug 24, 2025, 12:25 PM
Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Sunday that Whiteheart (knee) is potentially available for the Browns' Week 1 contest against the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 7, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of the Browns' preseason finale against the Rams on Sunday. The good news for the third-year tight end is that the injury isn't considered severe enough for him to be ruled out for Cleveland's regular-season opener, and his practice participation over the next two weeks should shed light on whether he'll be cleared to play in Week 1. Brenden Bates would be the top candidate to fill in as the Browns' TE3 behind David Njoku and Harold Fannin if Whiteheart is unable to play. |
|
Harold Fannin Harold Fannin Hauls in TD in preseason finale
Sat, Aug 23, 2025, 6:20 PM
Fannin caught both his targets for 16 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: The 2025 third-round pick saw work with the Browns' starters, and his TD came on a 15-yard toss from Joe Flacco midway through the first quarter. David Njoku remains at the top of the tight end depth chart, but Fannin has drawn rave reviews in training camp and could see more action than expected in two-TE sets, providing Flacco with another potentially dynamic receiving option. |
|
Jerome Ford Jerome Ford Splits work with Sampson
Sat, Aug 23, 2025, 6:13 PM
Ford carried the ball twice for 14 yards and caught both his targets for five yards in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: The fourth-year back split the backfield workload with fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson over the Browns' first two drives, before Sampson checked out and was replaced by Pierre Strong. Ford himself then gave way to Ahmani Marshall to begin the second quarter. Ford and Sampson figure to share touches to begin the regular season as well, but how snaps are actually divided between the two, and in what situations, remains to be seen. Quinshon Judkins, a second-round pick in 2025 who has yet to sign a contract with Cleveland due to off-field issues, remains a wild card but could be added to the backfield later in the year. |
|
Dylan Sampson Dylan Sampson Gets start against Rams
Sat, Aug 23, 2025, 6:09 PM
Sampson carried the ball twice for three yards and caught his only target for 14 yards in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: The 2025 fourth-round pick got the first carry of the afternoon for the Browns, and Sampson split the backfield workload with Jerome Ford over the first two drives before exiting the game. That figures to be the arrangement to begin the regular season, but how snaps are actually divided between the two, and in what situations, remains to be seen. Quinshon Judkins, a second-round pick in 2025 who has yet to sign a contract with Cleveland due to off-field issues, remains a wild card but could be added to the backfield later in the year. |
|
Shedeur Sanders Shedeur Sanders Poor showing in preseason finale
Sat, Aug 23, 2025, 5:59 PM
Sanders completed three of six passes for 14 yards in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: The 2025 fifth-round pick was the third quarterback into the game for the Browns behind Week 1 starter Joe Flacco and 2025 third-round selection Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders did little to shake up the depth chart as he took five sacks on five drives while playing most of the second half. Kenny Pickett (hamstring) is still in the mix as well for slotting behind Flacco, but Gabriel appears to be firmly ahead of Sanders if there's room for only one rookie QB on the roster. |
|
Dillon Gabriel Dillon Gabriel Tosses TD in preseason finale
Sat, Aug 23, 2025, 5:54 PM
Gabriel completed 12 of 19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: Entering the game in the second quarter after No. 1 quarterback Joe Flacco handled the Browns' first three drives, Gabriel quickly led the team to 10 points before halftime, highlighted by a three-yard TD toss to Gage Larvadian with 17 seconds left on the clock. The absence of Kenny Pickett (hamstring) during training camp and the preseason has provided Gabriel with valuable reps, and the 2025 third-round pick has rarely looked out of place. Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders remains in the mix for a spot behind Flacco as well, but Gabriel has made a solid case to begin the season in the No. 3 role, if not No. 2. |
Connect With Us:
