The Cleveland Browns lost running back Quinshon Judkins late last season, but he will be back healthy on time for training camp.
Judkins “will be a full go at the start of camp,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Judkins had been dealing with an ankle/fibula injury since a December 2025 game against the Buffalo Bills.
His return gives the Browns a boost, where questions remain on who will start at quarterback. Whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders earns the starting job, Judkins gives them a reliable ball carrier and pass catcher out of the backfield.
Judkins, a former second-round pick from Ohio State, rushed for 827 yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries. He also caught 26 passes for 171 yards.
Cleveland needed him back healthy to carry the load again. Second-string running back Dylan Sampson only had 65 carries for 175 yards last year in his rookie season.
Raheem Sanders likewise played sparingly with 27 carries for 92 yards in four games as a rookie. Ahmani Marshall, a rookie from Appalachian State, is an undrafted free agency with potential.
In otherwise, the Browns have a thin running back room after Judkins, and that could spell doom for the offense if he doesn’t stay healthy. Whether or not the Browns go after another experienced running back via free agency or a trade.
Cleveland has $20.22 million in salary cap space, so spending for a seasoned running back to pari with Judkins would make season. The Browns already leaned heavily on Judkins last season with 256 touches, which is a high volume that won’t breed longevity in the NFL.
If the Browns want to seriously invest in Judkins long term, the team needs to make a move for a veteran running back before the season. Anything else would be putting him at risk for another major injury in just the second season of his career.