Quinshon Judkins looked destined to be Cleveland’s franchise running back when they grabbed him in the second round. Now, with legal troubles keeping him off the field and unsigned, the Browns face their biggest backfield question mark in years just weeks before the season starts.
How Are the Browns Handling the Quinshon Judkins Crisis?
Judkins faced legal issues after being arrested on July 12 for a domestic battery charge. The situation has created major complications for Cleveland, as he remains the only 2025 NFL Draft pick not signed to a rookie contract while his legal case unfolds.
However, on Aug. 14, NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that the Browns running back will not face any formal charges.
“Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins will not face any formal charges, as prosecutors have declined to move forward with the case,” Schultz wrote. “This clears the way for him to return to the team, and I’m told that should likely happen in the near future.”
Judkins is ready to resume football activities, but first, he will have to sign his rookie contract with the Browns. This is a huge boost for the AFC North franchise, which desperately needs all its playmakers healthy and available.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam earlier addressed the messy situation, acknowledging the team’s frustration with how things have developed.
“It’s something we need to do a better job on, but it is frustrating,” Haslam said of the Judkins situation. “Clearly, we need to look to see what else we can do; it’s not acceptable.”
Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam discussed the Quinshon Judkins situation.
Says they do expect him to eventually sign and play for the Browns once the legal process pkays out. Described it as “cautiously optimistic” pic.twitter.com/pVMUQwvap7
— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) July 29, 2025
Despite the troubling circumstances, Cleveland’s front office didn’t completely give up hope. When asked about Judkins’ chances of playing in Cleveland, Haslam struck a cautious tone while leaving the door open for his return.
“We all understand the due process of law and the law does not move quickly, but we’re cautiously optimistic,” Haslam added.
Meanwhile, Browns general manager Andrew Berry also addressed the Judkins situation, emphasizing the team’s focus on preparing for the season opener while the legal process continues.
“We’re going to obviously deal with that situation on a day-to-day basis as a program, but our focus will really be on preparing our team for the opener against Cincinnati,” Berry said.
Here is #Browns general manager Andrew Berry talking about Quinshon Judkins. Judkins was arrested earlier this month in Florida and charged with domestic battery. Judkins is unsigned and not with the team in training camp. pic.twitter.com/gZQwsJM5n1
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) July 24, 2025
The organization faced a difficult balancing act. As of now, their rookie running back is available again, and hopefully, we will see him on the field shortly.
Who Stepped Up in Judkins’ Absence?
Cleveland kicked off its preseason campaign against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, August 8, and was without their highly touted rookie running back. This absence created an opportunity for other players to step into expanded roles and prove their worth.
Veteran running back Jerome Ford and fellow rookie running back Dylan Sampson were the two players who were expected to see the biggest increases in playing time in Judkins’ absence.
Ford brings experience and familiarity to Cleveland’s backfield as he enters his fourth season with the team. He’s spent much of his career serving as Nick Chubb’s backup, though he’s frequently been called upon to fill the starter role due to injuries that have plagued Chubb over the past two seasons.
The former fifth-round pick will turn 26 in September, bringing veteran leadership to a young backfield. Throughout his career, Ford has carried the ball 316 times for 1,390 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s also proven valuable in the passing game, hauling in 81 receptions for 544 yards and five touchdowns through the air.
On the other hand, Sampson arrives in Cleveland after a dominant college career in Tennessee. The Browns selected him in the fourth round following a breakout junior season where he led the SEC in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. His college production was impressive, carrying the ball 258 times for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The combination of Ford’s proven pass-catching ability and Sampson’s explosive running style from college could provide Cleveland with a complementary backfield duo.
Ford did not play in the game against the Panthers, while Sampson rushed for only six yards on two carries. Ahmani Marshall led the team in rushing yards with 32 on eight carries as the Browns won 30-10.
