The Cleveland Browns walked away from their Week 13 clash with the San Francisco 49ers battered, bruised, and with more questions about their offensive health. While the 49ers’ defense lived up to its reputation, the bigger concern for Cleveland came in the form of a rookie injury scare.
Running back Dylan Sampson, who has been carving out a role in the Browns’ backfield rotation, left the game with a calf issue that had fans holding their breath.
Dylan Sampson Injury Update After Browns vs. 49ers
On Monday, Browns reporter Daniel Oyefusi provided clarity on the situation: Sampson will be day-to-day with his injury.
Sampson’s injury occurred in the second half of Sunday’s game, when he tried to cut back against San Francisco’s defensive front.
He came up limping after planting on his right leg, immediately signaling to the sideline. Trainers evaluated him, and while he didn’t return, the initial fear of a long-term setback has eased.
Other Browns injury updates:
— RT Jack Conklin is the concussion protocol
— RB Dylan Sampson (calf) is day to day
— RG Wyatt Teller (calf) is week to week
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) December 1, 2025
The rookie had shown flashes earlier in the game, picking up tough yards against one of the NFL’s most physical defenses. His burst and vision have been a welcome addition to Cleveland’s offense.
Oyefusi’s report that Sampson is “day to day” is encouraging, suggesting the Browns avoided a worst-case scenario.
Why Dylan Sampson is Important to the Browns Offense?
Sampson isn’t just another depth piece; he’s become a spark. His ability to hit the hole quickly and create yards after contact has given Cleveland a change-of-pace option behind Jerome Ford.
In recent weeks, Sampson has earned more touches, showing the kind of explosiveness that made him a mid-round draft steal. Against the 49ers, even before the injury, he managed to grind out positive gains despite facing stacked boxes.
MORE: Browns HC Kevin Stefanski Makes Feelings Clear on Shedeur Sanders’ Week 13 Performance vs. 49ers
The Browns’ offense has leaned heavily on the run game to protect rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and losing Sampson for any extended period would limit their flexibility. His calf injury being labeled “day to day” means he could be available as soon as Week 14, depending on how he responds in practice.
Other Cleveland Browns Injuries After Week 13 Loss
While Sampson’s update was the most anticipated, the Browns also announced that correct tackle Jack Conklin is in concussion protocol, and right guard Wyatt Teller is week-to-week with a calf injury.
Conklin’s absence would be a blow to the pass protection, while Teller’s injury further complicates the interior line. Together, those issues highlight just how thin Cleveland’s offense is becoming as the season grinds on.
Despite their 3-9 record, the Browns remain alive in the AFC playoff picture due to their division. However, it seems unlikely that Cleveland sneaks in, and with all the injuries piling up, the team may already be looking ahead to next season.
