Personnel moves early in the week are often more telling than any injury report. When a team adds a player at a certain position on Monday, it usually signals concern about the health or production of the players there. Front offices rarely make such decisions without reason. The Browns made one of those moves Monday, bolstering a suddenly thin-looking backfield.
Jordan Schultz reports that the Browns have signed Audric Estime off the Vikings practice squad.
“Sources: #Browns, #Vikings sign RB Audric Estime from practice squad to 53-man roster. Estime, 23, brings 508 career rushing yards, 130 receiving yards and 3 TDs to Cleveland,” Schultz wrote.
Sources: #Browns sign RB Audric Estime from #Vikings practice squad to 53-man roster.
Estime, 23, brings 508 career rushing yards, 130 receiving yards and 3 TDs to Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/cN57eboBz3
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 12, 2026
Time is hard to ignore. Quinshon Judkins appeared in a walking boot on his right foot after Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets, and Dylan Sampson is already on injured reserve. Bringing in Audric Estime gives the Browns another option when Judkins is forced to miss time.
Estime fits the physical style Todd Monken wants from his running game. At 5-foot-11 and 227 pounds, he’s a low runner built for early downs and short-yardage situations, 2 areas where the Browns struggle.
It has been effective in limited capacity. Estime averaged 4.2 yards per carry over 2 seasons, and his career rushing success rate of nearly 52% is significantly higher than what Judkins posted this year, albeit in a smaller sample size.
It also brings some value as a buyer. Estime caught 12 of 13 targets for 103 yards with the New Orleans Saints last season, adding another dimension to a backfield that already includes pass-catching options in Raheim Sanders and Jaleel McLaughlin.
His road to Cleveland was circuitous. The Denver Broncos selected him in the 5th round of the 2024 draft out of Notre Dame, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns in his final season, and has since come through the practice squads of New Orleans and the Minnesota Vikings.
For the Browns, this move is an inexpensive way to address a clear need. The Estime signing allows Andrew Berry to strengthen his position without giving up draft capital.
He’s unlikely to take over the backfield right away, but Estime could play a significant role if Judkins is limited when the Baltimore Ravens visit on Oct. 18. For a team struggling to run the football and dealing with a growing injury list, a fresh, physical athlete could make a difference sooner than expected.
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