​With training camp just a few weeks away, anticipation is building for what the Cleveland Browns can become this season. The roster is still young but possesses notable upside, and head coach Todd Monken faces the challenge of turning a unit that struggled mightily last year into a cohesive and productive offense. The offensive line has been reshaped, and there is a renewed emphasis on establishing a more potent ground game, potentially seeing the run game flourish at a higher clip than in recent seasons.
Leading the Cleveland depth chart at running back is Quinshon Judkins, who arrives with a strong pedigree after finishing just outside the NFL’s top tier at running back. Returning from injury, Judkins has a real opportunity to cement himself among the league’s elite backfield stars in a standout 2026 campaign. But he won’t be able to shoulder the load by himself.
As he does every preseason, Chris Pokorny will deliver a comprehensive breakdown of every roster spot heading into camp. This preview serves as an appetizing starter for that deeper dive, offering a snapshot of the running back situation and what could unfold over the next few months.
Names to watch in Cleveland’s backfield include Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Ahmani Marshall, and TJ Harden, alongside Davon Booth. The best-case scenario envisions a flowing, balanced attack led by a sturdy offensive line and a productive run game, with Judkins surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and maintaining an impressive yards-per-carry average (around 5.0). For this to materialize, it will be crucial for Sampson, Marshall, or Booth to shoulder a meaningful portion of the workload, especially in the passing game, so Judkins isn’t carrying the burden alone.
If Judkins can hit the 1,000-yard mark, and Sampson contributes for over 800 total yards while Sanders proves to be a reliable goal-line back with five or more rushing touchdowns, the Browns’ backfield could rank among the league’s best. A multi-faceted running game that keeps defenses honest would dramatically elevate Cleveland’s offensive ceiling.
The worst-case scenario involves Judkins returning from injury and appearing tentative, paired with an offensive line that struggles to gel. If the unit remains one or two players away from being competent, the Browns could find themselves behind the curve. A limited performance from the rest of the backfield would compound the problem: if Sampson is too small to threaten on the ground and Sanders lacks the burst to exploit gaps, Judkins might face more wear and tear as the season progresses. And if quarterback play remains uneven or subpar, the rushing attack could suffer as a result.
How does this Browns roster look to you at running back? Do you see an addition to the depth chart you’d like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below to contribute to the discussion and help shape the broader conversation around Cleveland’s 2026 offense.