It's been a difficult season for the Cleveland Browns' offense, but their hope is rookie Quinshon Judkins can be part of a turnaround in the years ahead.
After suffering a potentially significant injury on Sunday, Judkins may now have to look ahead to 2026.
The young running back was carted off with a leg injury against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter on Sunday after taking a hard hit and instantly writhing in pain. Judkins entered Sunday's contest with 805 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground this season, though efficiency was often an issue with the rookie averaging only 3.6 yards per carry.
Here's what you need to know about Judkins' injury and his outlook going forward.
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Quinshon Judkins injury update
Quinshon Judkins was quickly ruled out with what the Browns described as a leg injury.
The injury occurred on a powerful hit from Bills LB Matt Milano, who forced an incompletion on the play. The CBS broadcast declined to show a slow-motion replay, indicating it was a gruesome sight, and Judkins remained down until a cart came to take him back to the locker room.
#Browns standout rookie RB Quinshon Judkins went down after this play and is being carted off.
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 21, 2025
Looks like a serious injury: pic.twitter.com/ymsbvf7tDG
Judkins, who missed all of training camp while unsigned due to a domestic violence investigation, debuted in Week 2 and impressed over his first four games before battling efficiency troubles down the stretch. Since Week 6, Judkins has reached four yards per carry in only one game.
Here's a look at who is next up for the Browns at the running back position.
Browns RB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Quinshon Judkins |
| 2 | Dylan Sampson* |
| 3 | Raheim Sanders |
| 4 | Trayveon Williams |
* — Out vs. Bills
Fellow rookie Dylan Sampson would ordinarily be Judkins' backup, but he is out for Sunday's game with hand and calf injuries.
As long as Sampson is out, Trayveon Williams and Raheim Sanders are next in line behind Judkins. Williams, a seven-year NFL veteran, received some run with the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in his career but entered Sunday with only four rushing attempts over the last two seasons, while Sanders is an undrafted rookie out of South Carolina and came into the game with three career carries.