McLaughlin’s NFL journey began as an undrafted free agent out of Youngstown State in 2023. He spent three seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he totaled 1,093 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. His most productive rushing campaign came in 2024, when he tallied 496 rushing yards. In addition to his rushing work, McLaughlin contributed as a receiver, recording 59 receptions for 263 yards and four receiving touchdowns during his time in Denver. At 5-foot-7 and 187 pounds, he brings a compact, explosive profile that can help diversify Cleveland’s backfield look.
Prior to his promotion, McLaughlin had already been with the Browns, signing to the practice squad on September 1 and spending two weeks with the team before being elevated. He will wear jersey number 38 in Cleveland. His versatility stands out, as he has shown capability as both a runner and a pass catcher, which could help the Browns distribute workload and replace some of the change-of-pace and special-teams contributions that Samson was expected to provide.
Dylan Samson’s injury is a significant early-season blow for Cleveland. He sustained a knee injury on a kickoff return during the Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and will be sidelined for at least four games. The absence not only leaves a gap in the backfield rotation but also reduces a contributor on special teams, a role that Samson was expected to fill.
In Week 1, Cleveland’s rushing attack offered limited support. Quinshon Judkins carried 12 times for 33 yards, while Raheim Sanders had a single rushing attempt for one yard. Sanders did provide a spark on special teams with three kickoff returns for 130 yards, including a 74-yard return that helped set up Cleveland’s opening scoring drive. That performance underscored the need for additional backfield depth and a more dynamic plan to pressure defenses as the Browns move forward.
The addition of McLaughlin gives Cleveland another weapon to complement Judkins. His experience as a runner and receiver allows for a more varied game plan, enabling the Browns to distribute the workload more evenly and adapt to how defenses respond to Judkins. The team’s coaching staff, led by head coach and play-caller personnel, will look to integrate McLaughlin into a rhythm that improves offensive organization and execution.
Head coach Todd Monken has emphasized the need for the offense to operate more cleanly and efficiently. After Week 1, Deshaun Watson’s stat line showed 205 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. With the offense still finding its footing, Monken has stressed that the unit as a whole must perform better around Watson, with better play-calling and sharper execution helping to maximize the quarterback’s strengths.
As the Browns adjust, they also added depth at the running back position by signing former New York Giants fifth-round pick Eric Gray to the practice squad. Gray has appeared in 34 career games, and his arrival provides additional depth on the roster while Samson recovers.
Looking ahead to Week 2, Cleveland will rely on a more balanced approach in the backfield, leveraging McLaughlin’s versatility, Judkins’ steady ground game, and Gray’s depth. The Browns will aim to establish a more organized attack early in games, reduce negative plays, and create more opportunities for run-pass balance. If McLaughlin can quickly adapt to the Browns’ system and capitalize on his receiving ability, he could become a meaningful contributor as the team navigates the absence of Samson and seeks to stabilize the offense.
In summary, the Browns’ decision to promote Jaleel McLaughlin from the practice squad and the addition of Eric Gray to the practice squad reflect a broader adjustment to the team’s backfield dynamic after Samson’s injury. The goal is clear: maintain a productive running game, supplement Deshaun Watson’s passing game, and ensure the offense operates with greater cohesion as they head into Week 2 against a formidable opponent.
