The Cleveland Browns are taking a cautious approach with rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, keeping his debut on hold after his late signing and amid lingering uncertainty about his availability.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski offered little clarity on Monday when asked about Judkins’ status for an important Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
“We’ll see,” Stefanski said.
He continued, “Got to get through this week of practice, but don’t know.”
After an extended holdout and off-field issues, Judkins signed with the Browns on Sept. 6. Cleveland has a two-week roster exemption for Judkins as he gets up to speed. If he remains out this week, he’ll make his debut on Sept. 21 against the Green Bay Packers.
Judkins is expected to meet with NFL investigators this week over a domestic battery charge, which was dropped. A suspension is possible but Judkins was not placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List based on the fact that he has no criminal charges or cases pending.
Browns’ Run Game Uninspiring Against Bengals
The Browns were unable to get anything going on the ground in a 17-16 Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland had just 49 yards rushing in the game, averaging a paltry 2.0 yards per rush. The team’s longest rush of the afternoon was just five yards.
Judkins could play a significant role in providing a boost. The Browns selected Judkins in the second round with pick No. 36 overall. Cleveland did so, knowing they were moving on from Nick Chubb, a fan-favorite and four-time Pro Bowler.
General manager Andrew Berry said after selecting Judkins that he sees “bell cow” potential in the rookie.
“We feel like he’s just a very well-rounded back,” Berry said. “We’ve obviously been spoiled over the past couple of years, particularly with Nick and Kareem (Hunt). And we feel like he is very much in that mold in terms of skill set. Not necessarily saying that he’s going to, with certainty, develop into one of those players. We certainly hope that’s the case. But we think that he can be a bell cow runner that can really carry the load for us.”
Judkins was a big producer during his college career, first at Ole Miss and then at Ohio State. He rushed for 3,785 yards and 45 touchdowns over three college seasons.
Rookie RB Dylan Sampson Shines for Browns
The run game couldn’t get going against the Bengals but rookie running back Dylan Sampson was busy. He led the team with eight receptions for 64 yards. He also registered a team-high 12 carries for 29 yards. Sampson will likely continue to have a significant role once Judkins returns.
“I thought Dylan did a nice job. He was out there because we trust him,” Stefanski said. “He has the ability in the run and the pass game to affect the game.”
The lone rushing touchdown of the day belonged to newcomer Raheim Sanders, whom the Browns claimed after the preseason. He had three carries for three yards and the score.
“I feel like with his size he was the right person for our short yards goal line package,” Stefanski said.
The ground game will be key against the Ravens, with the Browns looking to keep Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry off the field with extended drives. Cleveland held the ball for more than 10 minutes longer than the Bengals on Sunday.
Browns Give 2-Word Update on Quinshon Judkins’ Week 2 Status