Browns Provide Update on Injured RB Quinshon Judkins

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is recovering from a recurring injury. The Cleveland Browns do not seem worried about the setback that has kept running back Quinshon Judkins out of the past two practices. Judkins was absent from Wednesday's session and Thursday's joint practice with the Buffalo Bills. Browns coach Todd Monken referred to the injury as minor, but emphasized that the team is exercising caution with their starting running back.

"A little something nagging. Nothing big, we just held him out," Monken said on Thursday. Judkins sustained several hard hits during Tuesday's practice, which Monken concluded early because the session became too physical. However, Monken suggested that the absence of the running back was not related to those incidents. "He’s been out there all the time until now.

I’d be more frustrated if it had been two weeks," Monken said. Judkins had been a full participant for most of training camp and played in the Browns' preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. His absence from the joint practice prevented the Cleveland from testing its complete starting offense against Buffalo, but Monken did not express concern about an extended layoff.

Monken also did not provide an update on defensive end Alex Wright, who was carried off during Thursday's practice. The nature of Wright’s injury appeared more severe, and the Browns will need additional testing to determine its extent. Quinshon Judkins, who had a productive rookie season, established himself as the nucleus of Cleveland's running game.

The second-round pick led the team with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries. He also contributed 26 receptions for 171 yards and was third among NFL rookies in rushing yards. Judkins' season concluded in Week 16 with a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle against the Bills. Following surgery, he spent the offseason rehabilitating and returned to team drills during Cleveland's mandatory minicamp.

The Cleveland Browns anticipate Judkins to lead a backfield that includes Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders, and Ahmani Marshall once again. Cleveland ranked 27th in rushing offense last season at 97 yards per game, and Monken's arrival along with a rebuilt offensive line could potentially improve the running game. The team plans to rest veterans against the Bills, with young players such as Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel expected to handle most of the snaps.