Jaleel McLaughlin
McLaughlin is the Browns' third running back and a kickoff returner now that Judkins and Sampson are both healthy, and his one big week as lead back looks like a fill-in spell.
Role
In Week 7 at Tennessee he played no offensive snaps (Athlon, citing PFF), while Judkins had 37 of 70 and Sampson 32. He did active duty on special teams: the wire note has five kickoff returns for 117 yards. Before that, with Judkins, Sampson and Raheim Sanders out, he led the backfield in Week 6 against Baltimore: 9 carries, 4 catches on 4 targets, and 61.9% of snaps per FantasyPros (Athlon says 39 snaps, ESPN says 37). The depth chart cited by SI before Week 7 had Judkins first, then Sampson, McLaughlin and Audric Estime. Sanders is on injured reserve with a hip injury as of the Week 6 reports, and I did not find a later update on him. Estime, 227 pounds, is the goal-line option and was inactive in Week 7.
He was efficient when given work. SI noted he led the backs in yards per carry and success rate through Week 6 on a small sample. He added a 28-yard touchdown on his only snap against Pittsburgh, and he caught all four of his targets in Week 6. Monken kept him active over Estime as the lighter, faster change-of-pace option. Optimists say another back-room injury, given how much the group has missed time, or a committee approach could bring him offensive snaps again.
With Judkins and Sampson both healthy he had zero offensive snaps in Week 7, and Fox Sports called his role likely limited to special teams. Yahoo/SI and ESPN advised that he could go to waivers once either starter returned. He is 5-foot-7 and 187 pounds, and one report said he is not suited to a primary role. Sampson also covers the pass-catching and change-of-pace work McLaughlin would otherwise have.
Where analysts split
Broad agreement that he is a depth back. The only open question is whether any offensive role survives with Judkins and Sampson both healthy. Judkins and Sampson split the work in Week 7 almost evenly, which leaves little room for him unless one gets hurt again. SI argued before Week 7 that he should still see some time, and the Week 7 snap count did not bear that out.
Research confidence: reported. Outlooks are grounded in web search over current reporting and refreshed through the season.
Others at RB
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