The Cleveland Browns got some encouraging news out of the 2026 NFL Combine — and it concerns a player who will be paramount to their offensive future.
General manager Andrew Berry confirmed this week that rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has shed his walking boot and is on track for training camp ahead of the 2026 season.
“He’s made really nice progress. He’s in the training room every day and out of the boot,” Berry said. “(Quinshon) actually started his pool running and everything like that, so he’s done a really nice job with his recovery.”
Quinshon Judkins Injury: Browns RB Banged Up Late in Season
Judkins suffered a dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula in Cleveland’s 23-20 Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was the result of a hit by linebacker Matt Milano as the rookie attempted to make a catch in the backfield. The CBS broadcast declined to air the replay. His season was over on the spot.
The Browns announced on Dec. 23 that Judkins underwent successful surgery performed by head team physician Dr. James Voos and Dr. George Ochenjele at University Hospitals. The organization placed him on injured reserve and projected a four-to-six-month recovery timeline. It points toward a return to football activity sometime around June.
Before the injury ended his season, Judkins had already shown plenty of promise. He rushed for 827 yards on 230 carries with seven touchdowns while running behind a line that ranked 31st in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. He was establishing himself as Cleveland’s offensive centerpiece and is the kind of bell-cow back that new head coach Todd Monken’s scheme is built to feature.
If Judkins is cleared for training camp, a Week 1 return in 2026 is firmly in play.
What Quinshon Judkins Means to the Browns’ 2026 Season
The Browns have Dylan Sampson waiting in the wings as a capable backup. Jerome Ford is set to hit free agency and Cleveland’s backfield in 2026 runs through Judkins.
Now, Cleveland has to fix the line in front of him — and that is no small task. Nearly the entire Browns unit is heading to free agency. Wyatt Teller has already said his goodbyes on social media. Joel Bitonio, who has weighed retirement each of the last two offseasons, is still deciding whether he wants to play another season — and if he does, whether it will be in Cleveland. Jack Conklin, Cam Robinson and Ethan Pocic round out a group that may walk out the door all at once.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has proposed the Browns use both selections on offensive tackles.
“They don’t have an offensive line,” Jeremiah said. “You’ve got to find guys to run out there.”
The Browns hold picks No. 6 and 24 in the first round. Jeremiah pointed to Utah’s Spencer Fano and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa as targets in that range, noting the team cannot afford to rely on an injury-prone tackle Dawand Jones as a foundation going forward. If the Browns can get the offensive line transition right, Judkins could be one of the better running backs in the AFC.
