The Cleveland Browns finally have a reason to smile after a gut-wrenching Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, the team’s highly anticipated second-round pick and projected replacement for Nick Chubb, is now on track to make his long-awaited NFL debut. After months of legal uncertainty and contract delays, fresh reports suggest Judkins could be suiting up as early as next Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens — a massive boost for a Browns offense desperate to find its rhythm on the ground.
The Cleveland Browns could use something to look forward to after dropping a Week 1 contest at home against the Cincinnati Bengals they easily could have won.
Cleveland’s biggest issue came on special teams, as kicker Andre Szmyt missed an extra point and a 36-yard field goal in the second half in the Browns’ one-point loss (17-16). Quarterback Joe Flacco also threw two interceptions, but perhaps the most glaring deficiency came in the form of Cleveland’s inability to run the football.
The Browns tried to get the ground game going, rushing 24 times as a team but gaining just 49 yards. Cleveland planned to address the loss of Nick Chubb over the offseason by replacing him with Quinshon Judkins, whom the team selected No. 36 overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft.
However, Judkins faced a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in July, which created uncertainty for his future and hurdles to signing a rookie contract. The Florida court system ultimately dismissed the charges in August, though the league continues to mull a suspension for the 21-year-old running back.
The Browns finally signed Judkins to a deal worth $11.4 million over four years on Saturday, September 6, though he wasn’t able to get onto the field for the season opener against the Bengals. And while Judkins could still face a suspension from the NFL, he and the organization got good news Sunday about his prospects to play as early as next weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.
“Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins is scheduled to meet with the NFL this week about its investigation, but there is a real possibility, and even likelihood according to one source, that he will make his NFL debut next Sunday at Baltimore,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Browns Rookie RB Dylan Sampson Had Strong NFL Debut Against Bengals
The bright spot for the Browns’ running game Sunday was fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson. He rushed the football 12 times for 29 yards, which was far from a stellar performance, but he also caught eight passes for 64 yards.
Fourth-year player Jerome Ford carried the football just six times for eight yards and caught one pass, on which he lost three yards.
If Judkins is back on the field in Week 2, it could be as early as next week that the Browns go to an almost all-rookie backfield, as undrafted rusher Raheim Sanders out of South Carolina also got three carries and gained just three yards, but scored Cleveland’s only rushing touchdown.
Joe Flacco’s Struggles Could Lead to Dillon Gabriel Getting Shot at Starting Job Sooner Than Later
While Judkins’ return could change the face of Cleveland’s offense by addition, the Browns may also change things up by subtracting Flacco from the starting lineup if he continues to struggle.
The 40-year-old QB threw the football 45 times Sunday, completing 31 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown. However, he also turned the ball over twice and took two sacks, finishing the afternoon with a rating of 75.2.
Flacco was not responsible for Cleveland’s loss to Cincinnati, but he also struggled with turnovers during his time with the Browns in 2023. If those issues continue throughout the early portion of the season, the Browns have already made it clear they will not be afraid to make the switch to rookie Dillon Gabriel.
