Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins underwent successful surgery to repair a fractured fibula and ankle dislocation and has been placed on injured reserve, the Browns announced Tuesday afternoon. Quinshon’s mother, Teva, shared a photo on X ahead of his procedure, which drew an encouraging message from one of football’s most iconic personalities.
Quinshon Judkins Placed on IR, “Prime Time” Shows Support
Judkins suffered the most severe injury of Week 16, which took place in the second quarter of the Browns’ loss to the Buffalo Bills, on a screen pass that resulted in a hit by Bills linebacker Matt Milano.
Although CBS chose not to show replays of the hit that led to Judkins being carted off, it quickly became clear there would be no swift return, as he was immediately placed in a right leg brace before the full extent of the injury was revealed.
“@Quinshon_’s surgery day,” Teva posted Tuesday morning, accompanied by an image of her and Quinshon in the hospital. “Looking forward to recovery and seeing him back to 100! So grateful for the prayers, love, and support. Shoutout to the @Browns team and medical staff for taking care of him and us… It means so much. #Blessed #GodIsInControl”
@quinshon_’s surgery day. Looking forward to recovery and seeing him back to 💯! So grateful for the prayers, love, and support. Shoutout to the @Browns team and medical staff for taking care of him and us….It means so much❤️ #Blessed #GodIsInControl pic.twitter.com/AdQMgLrcY2
— Momma “T” (@TevaJudkins) December 23, 2025
Support quickly followed from across the football world, including a message from Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, whose son, Shedeur Sanders, is the Browns’ starting quarterback.
Praying for u my man. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/YfDmdnCqoH
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) December 23, 2025
“Praying for u my man,” Deion responded in a quote of Teva’s post, sharing well wishes for his son’s game-changing teammate.
Judkins Expected To Make Full Recovery, Return for 2026 Season
Judkins is expected to return to full health within four to five months and resume practice in the spring, avoiding any ligament damage that could have extended his recovery timeline. Dr. Jesse Morse, a sports medicine physician and NFL injury expert, called the injury a “best case scenario,” given the knee wasn’t compromised, and anticipates Judkins should be “close to 100%” by Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Morse added that this is a far better outcome than seen with ankle injuries suffered by players such as Isiah Pacheco, Tony Pollard, Mark Andrews, Cam Skattebo, and Chris Godwin.
Before his season was cut short, the former Ole Miss and Ohio State standout was narrowly on pace to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Through 14 starts in his rookie campaign with the Browns, Judkins recorded 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries, alongside 26 receptions, 171 receiving yards, and a 72.8 RBi rating.
Cleveland will have to adjust significantly without Judkins as they prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 28 and travel to Cincinnati for a Jan. 4 matchup against the Bengals to close the season.
