Browns elevate McLaughlin to active roster
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Jaleel McLaughlin is back on an active NFL roster.
The former Youngstown State record-breaking running back was called up to the active roster by the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday. He filled the void left when running back Dylan Sampson was played on Injured Reserve with a knee injury.
McLaughlin was signed to the practice squad on Sept. 1. He signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos in 2023.
In his three seasons in Denver, McLaughlin ran for 1,093 yards and three touchdowns on 226 carries. He also caught 59 passes for 263 yards and four scores.
The 26-year-old runner posted 8,155 yards rushing during his collegiate career, setting the NCAA All-Division career rushing record. He was a two-time Associated Press All-American while at YSU, earning third-team honors in 2021 and first-team recognition in 2022.
McLaughlin started his college career at Notre Dame College before transferring to YSU in 2020. In 28 games for the Penguins, McLaughlin amassed 3,424 yards rushing and 30 TDs on 536 attempts, and he added 500 yards receiving and two TDs after catching 44 passes.
He was named the YSU Male Athlete of the Year for 2022-23.
Sampson was injured early in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was taken to the locker room and returned to the sideline in a knee brace.
The former Tennessee Volunteer was a fourth-round pick of the Browns 2025. He carried the ball 65 times for 175 yards last season, and he caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two TDs.
He also had a role as the Browns' kickoff returner. He returned two kicks for 64 yards on Sunday before the injury, and last season, he returned 15 kicks for 360 yards (24.0 yards per return).
McLaughlin and the Browns will be back in action on Sunday (televised on CBS) at 1 p.m. They will travel to Tampa Bay to take on former Browns' quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.