Following a gruesome double leg injury versus the Bills on Dec. 21st, can Cleveland count on Quinshon Judkins to lead their backfield in 2026 and beyond?
The Ohio State alum finishes his inaugural NFL campaign second in rookie rushers. Just a single yard (827) behind Ashton Jeanty of the Raiders. Judkins went under the knife this past Tuesday the team reported.
Quinshon Judkins underwent successful surgery this morning to repair a fractured fibula and ankle dislocation, and has been placed on injured reserve
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 23, 2025
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Behind a battered offensive line, Judkins proved impressive through 14-games, where he scored seven touchdowns. Browns running back coach Duce Staley was asked about the 2025 second-round pick's future.
Quinshon proved he could be the team's feature RB1 going forward throughout his rookie season pic.twitter.com/6gd30wBWPt
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 26, 2025
Staley's comments of, "he's the type of runner that we need", and "he was able to step right into those shoes, and be very productive", reinforces the confidence the organization has in the former Buckeye.
Judkins' expected recovery time is in the four-to-six month range. That puts him in line to be ready for the Browns' offseason program in June. If his rehab goes well, there's no reason to think he won't be fully available come training camp later in the summer.
A large part of the 22-year old's success next year will depend on how the front office rebuilds an O-Line that could see up to four new starters. Far too often opposing defenses were already in the backfield just as Judkins was handed the ball.
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