Ford previously carried a sizable portion of Cleveland’s offense. The 2022 fifth-round pick rushed for 813 yards in 2023 and added 319 receiving yards, scoring nine total touchdowns. He followed that with 565 rushing yards and a career-best 5.4 yards per carry in 2024. However, Cleveland’s offseason moves, including additions such as Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, reduced Ford’s role. He even took a pay cut to remain with the Browns for 2025, dropping his salary from $3.49 million to a guaranteed $1.75 million.
In his final season with Cleveland, Ford totaled 73 rushing yards on 24 carries and 26 receptions for 103 yards. A shoulder injury landed him on injured reserve on December 9, and he left in free agency after four seasons with the Browns.
The Vikings workout provides Ford with another opportunity, though a visit alone does not guarantee a contract.
Browns Add Backfield Help After Dylan Sampson Injury
Meanwhile, Cleveland is adjusting its backfield after losing Sampson in the opener. Sampson sustained a knee injury in Jacksonville and was placed on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least four games and leaving the Browns without a receiving option and change-of-pace back behind Judkins.
To address the gap, the Browns promoted Jaleel McLaughlin from the practice squad to the active roster and added former New York Giants running back Eric Gray to the practice squad. McLaughlin, who has three seasons of NFL experience, joins Judkins and Raheim Sanders as Cleveland navigates its depth at the position.
McLaughlin previously played for the Denver Broncos, rushing for 1,093 yards and three touchdowns on 226 carries, with 59 receptions for 263 yards and four touchdowns. That receiving ability could help offset some of Sampson’s absence, but the Browns still need a capable ground game to keep the offense on schedule, especially with questions at quarterback.
Quinshon Judkins Struggles as Browns Offense Stalls
The Browns managed little offense through three quarters of their 34-10 loss to Jacksonville, falling behind 31-0 before scoring. Even their first points required a lift from special teams when a 74-yard kickoff return set up a field goal. Cleveland finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter on a Deshaun Watson 46-yard touchdown pass to Denzel Boston with 1:52 remaining.
Judkins finished with 33 yards on 12 carries, averaging 2.8 yards per carry, with his longest run just 5 yards. While Watson drew significant criticism, the team’s troubles extended beyond the quarterback, including 11 penalties for 75 yards and two turnovers.
Head coach Todd Monken stressed the need for better play around Watson, saying the team must call plays more effectively and have Watson perform at a higher level. Monken expects Watson to start Week 2 against Tampa Bay. Increasing Judkins’ involvement could help stabilize the offense, especially with Sampson unavailable and the Browns aiming to avoid an 0-2 start.
This article covers recent movements and performances related to Jerome Ford and the Browns’ backfield as they navigate roster changes and early-season challenges.
