Former Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson wasn’t an active participant in the Cleveland Browns’ preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday afternoon. But it wasn’t for any sort of bad reason, though. It actually comes on the heels of a great report surrounding the Tennessee rookie who is looking to make a big impact in his first year.
Sampson’s inactivity on Sunday comes after “getting extended run during joint practices with the Eagles” this week. According to Browns ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi, Sampson is on a list of Browns rookies who are “primed for starting or significant roles” this season.
Other names on Oyefusi’s list of players held out on Saturday include WR Jerry Jeudy, QB Sheduer Sanders, QB Joe Flacco, RB Jerome Ford, TE David Njoku, and DE Myles Garrett.
The list of Browns not expected to play. Rookies Carson Schwesinger, Mason Graham, Dylan Sampson and Harold Fannin Jr. all won’t play after getting extended run during joint practices with the Eagles. All are primed for starting or significant roles. pic.twitter.com/KwiVvSVSnP
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 16, 2025
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After a strong camp in his first summer in the NFL, Sampson is expected to be a contributor for the Browns’ offense this season. He’s been getting extra reps with fellow rookie running back Quinshon Judkins absent from camp during a legal situation this offseason.
Fantasy football experts have been high on Sampson’s potential during his rookie season, especially with the unknowns about the Browns’ quarterback situation. If Cleveland decides to go heavy on the run this year, even if Judkins is in the fold, Sampson has a great chance to be productive for the offense.
Sampson put up historic numbers during his final season at Tennessee in 2024. On his way to becoming the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Sampson rushed his way into becoming Tennessee’s single-season rushing touchdown leader (22) and single-season rushing leader (1,491 yards). He was a three-down back for the Vols’ offense with the ability to run on the inside, outside, and catch passes out of the backfield.
Dylan Sampson was the SEC Offensive Player of the year in 2024
He led the SEC in rush yds, rush TDs, & yards from scrimmage, while having the 9th-most carries in CFB
He averaged 123.8 rushing yards per game & had 22 rushing touchdowns
DRAFT HIM pic.twitter.com/knBoVTAnzb
— David Mendelson (@DMendy02) August 4, 2025
VFL Dylan Sampson, VFL Cedric Tillman, and the Cleveland Browns will kick off their regular season slate against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
