One of the bright spots of the Cleveland Browns’ 2025 season has been rookie running back Quinshon Judkins. And while the former Ohio State standout had to leave the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots, Judkins received an encouraging update for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.
What Injury Did Quinshon Judkins Suffer against the New England Patriots?
The Cleveland Browns have had a disappointing season through nine games. Kevin Stefanski’s team currently sits at 2-6 in last place in the AFC North division. The main weakness on the roster has been at quarterback, with Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel struggling under center through the first nine weeks.
The good news is, on offense, the franchise has found its starting running back for the foreseeable future. Quinshon Judkins has grabbed the bull by the horns as the Browns’ RB1. Seven games in, and the former second-round pick has rushed for 486 yards and five touchdowns.
However, Judkins recently suffered a sprained AC joint against the New England Patriots, which raised questions about his availability this upcoming Sunday. The Browns are heading into a must-win game against the New York Jets to stay in the AFC North hunt.
Fortunately, it looks like Judkins will be available for Week 10. During the Browns’ practice on Monday, Stefanski confirmed that the young running back’s status looks promising for the upcoming game in the Meadowlands. When asked if he feels good about Judkins’ progression from injury, Stefanski responded, “Yeah, I do. I feel good about it.”
If the rookie tailback is 100%, he has a chance to have another stellar performance. The Jets made a few blockbuster trades over the deadline, dealing Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, which significantly hampers their already flawed defense. The Browns are still looking to win now, especially with Myles Garrett having a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season.
Kevin Stefanski is considered to be on the hot seat, primarily due to the challenging quarterback situation in Cleveland. The Deshaun Watson contract has been an abject failure, and the Browns selected two quarterbacks in this past year’s draft.
As of now, though, it doesn’t look like fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders will get a chance to see the field anytime soon. Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel is struggling to adjust to the pace of the game, posting the 32nd QBR in the league. Judkins’ presence does help, and maybe a game against a tanking Jets’ squad will be just what the doctor ordered for the Browns.