The Cleveland Browns are confident in their ability to run the ball even without a key prospect. Quinshon Judkins was drafted in the second round this year, but the club still has to work out a deal with the former freshman All-American.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, though, says for the run game to be more effective, it will take an effort from the entire team.
“When you talk about the run game. It’s easy to say the running backs and offensive line, but it does take everybody. We need wide receivers that can block to get you in and out of the right plays,” Setfanski said at 0:10.
“I think the guys have put in a ton of work into the run game, and I know that those guys are excited about some of the things that we’re doing, but you have to go do it in the games.”
Judkins led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024. In college he rushed for over 1,000 yards on three instances and was a two-time All-SEC player. In July, the 21-year-old born in Montgomery was arrested on charges of domestic assault and battery.
Last month, however, prosecutors refused to continue the case, and it was announced that Judkins would not face any formal charges.
In 2024, the Browns had one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL averaging a mere 94.6 yards per game on the ground, the fourth-lowest in the league. They kick off their 2025 campaign on Sunday when they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Huntington Bank Field.
"Zero chance" Quinshon Judkins plays on Sunday, says insider
While Kevin Stefanski did not rule Judkins out officially, one NFL analyst does not believe we'll have him on the field for Week 1.
“I do think he’s gonna be suspended, otherwise this case would have been done with by now. But the NFLPA is trying to negotiate a reduced suspension. And I think the contract will fall in line once they know how many games he’s out,” said ESPN insider Tony Grossi via Athlon Sports.
Grossi also added that he thinks there is "zero chance" we see Judkins appear this weekend. While prosecutors dropped his charges against him, that does not mean he is immune to disciplinary action from the NFL. Because of that, the Browns have held off on offering a rookie contract to him until they know how many games he may be suspended for.
With Judkins being likely out, Cleveland will turn to Jermone Ford and Dylan Sampson to carry the load out of the backfield.