Browns Make Headway With Quinshon Judkins’ Return to Practice
Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins is set to take the field for his first practice with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. 
As reported by Fred Greetham of the Orange and Brown Report, Judkins will hit the practice field in Berea for the first time since signing his fully-guaranteed four-year, $11 million rookie contract on Saturday.
This marks a key step forward for the Browns, as it’s their first sign of progress since Judkins took part in the team’s rookie minicamp. He had missed all of training camp and the preseason while dealing with legal matters. ESPN’s Adam Schefter also noted that there’s a good chance Judkins could make his debut in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens.
The second-round draft pick (No. 36 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft) was the last of the rookies to sign his contract and didn’t play in the Browns’ season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fortunately for Cleveland, Judkins benefits from a two-week roster exemption, meaning the team can activate him without needing to cut another player. This is typical for rookies who sign their contracts close to the start of the regular season.
Judkins is still under investigation by the NFL over domestic battery allegations related to his July arrest on misdemeanor battery charges. However, Florida prosecutors recently decided not to pursue charges. He’s expected to meet with the NFL this week, according to Schefter, though no updates have been given on a potential suspension.
During the Browns’ Week 1 loss to the Bengals, rookie Dylan Sampson, a fourth-round pick, was a bright spot in the running game. Sampson had 12 carries for 29 yards and added eight receptions for 64 yards. Jerome Ford, the incumbent running back, had little impact, with just six carries for eight yards.
Judkins’ addition to the Browns’ backfield is much-needed after the team parted ways with franchise legend Nick Chubb, who signed with the Houston Texans in free agency. Judkins, alongside Sampson, was expected to help fill the void left by Chubb.
Given the struggles the Browns faced against Cincinnati’s defense, it’s clear they need an upgrade in the running game, and Judkins could be the answer. The 21-year-old had impressive college seasons at Ole Miss, rushing for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final year. He also had 22 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
This kind of production is exactly what head coach Kevin Stefanski hopes to see from Judkins to fully run his offense. While it may take time for Judkins to adjust to the NFL, his return to practice is a promising sign for the Browns moving forward.
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