Despite their blowout road loss to the Ravens, several Cleveland Browns rookies made their NFL debuts in Week 2. That includes RB Quinshon Judkins, a second-round pick who only recently rejoined the team.
Judkins was arrested back in July on misdemeanor battery chargers. This came in the midst of an ongoing contract dispute, as Judkins hadn’t yet signed his rookie deal. Most second-round picks around the league were fighting for more guarantees in their rookie deal, and Judkins was no different — although his legal troubles complicated matters.
The criminal case against Judkins was ultimately dismissed, though he was still investigated by the NFL to see if he violated their Personal Conduct Policy. No suspension was levied, and Judkins officially signed with Cleveland a few weeks ago. He rejoined practice last week and played on Sunday.
Against the Ravens, Judkins had 10 carries for 61 yards, as well as catching three passes for 10 yards. The Browns lost to Baltimore 41-17.
Cleveland Browns OC Tommy Rees on Quinshon Judkins’ Debut
Rob Carr/GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Quinshon Judkins #10 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
“Yeah, [we] try not to set expectations going into it, right? We feel like he did the things during the week to get him a role there going into the game,” Rees said on what he thought of Judkins’ game. “You know, obviously, as he gets back and going, hope to see where that role can take him and expand on it. But for really not having a ton of work leading up to it, we were pleased with how he went out there and performed, both mentally and physically.”
“And as he gets back into the flow of feeling the runs and just being integrated back with the group and the offensive line, we expect him to continue to develop. And as a young player, that’s what you’re looking for, and that’s our expectation for him right now. So pleased to have him back, pleased [with] the way he’s working. He brings a certain intensity to the group, and I think he’s a real positive, so happy with where he’s at.”
Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel Makes His Cleveland Browns Debut
If there’s a silver lining to the blowout loss at the hands of the Ravens, it’s that we got to see rookie QB Dillon Gabriel make his regular season NFL debut. Gabriel checked into the game on the Browns‘ final drive late in the fourth quarter, going 3/3 for 19 yards and a touchdown to fellow rookie RB Dylan Sampson. It was the first NFL touchdown for both players.
Gabriel and Judkins weren’t the only Browns rookies to have good games. RB Dylan Sampson followed up an impressive Week 1 with four carries for six yards, adding three catches for 13 yards. TE Harold Fannin Jr. continues to be heavily involved in the offense, with five receptions for 48 yards. LB Carson Schwesinger had five tackles, and looks like a potential playmaker on that defense.
Browns Rookie RB Quinshon Judkins Gets Good News From OC Tommy Rees