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Unsigned Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins.
The regular season kicks off this week for the Cleveland Browns, but rookie running back Quinshon Judkins is unlikely to be on the field.
Judkins remains unsigned as of Monday, even with the Browns set to open Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland drafted Judkins with the No. 36 overall pick to be its feature back, but his situation has grown unusually complicated.
The 21-year-old was arrested July 12 on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge stemming from an alleged incident involving his girlfriend. Prosecutors announced earlier this month that Judkins would not face charges.
At the time of his arrest, Judkins was holding out in pursuit of a fully guaranteed deal, following the precedent of other high second-round picks. Although he’s since been cleared legally, questions remain about what’s delaying a resolution and whether the league will hand down a suspension for the former Ohio State standout.
‘Hard to Imagine’ Browns RB Quinshon Judkins Plays Week 1
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes that the hangup could be related to language regarding future guarantees.
“Some believe that, if Judkins shows up before the league resolves his Personal Conduct Policy case, he’ll promptly be placed on paid leave,” Florio said. “The other potential complication, in our view, comes from the standard default language that will void future guarantees. A suspension typically wipes out future guarantees. And both sides know a suspension is potentially coming. Judkins may be trying to get a dispensation for the incident that has sparked the looming suspension. The Browns may be holding firm.”
But even if Judkins is signed, it doesn’t mean he’ll step right into the mix.
“Even if Judkins signs today — and isn’t summarily put on paid leave — it’s hard to imagine him being ready to play on Sunday, given that he had not a single rep in training camp,” Florio said.
Judkins participated in both rookie and mandatory minicamp during the offseason, giving him some familiarity with the offense. However, it’s more likely that Cleveland will open the season with Jerome Ford as the lead back, while Dylan Sampson and newly signed Raheim Sanders also factor into the rotation.
Browns RB Jerome Ford Adjusting to Leadership Role
Entering his fourth season, Jerome Ford has gone from late-round pick to the veteran presence in Cleveland’s running back room. A fifth-round selection in 2022, Ford has been pressed into action over the past two years, starting 18 games. Now, he’s embracing the role of elder statesman while still trying to elevate his own game.
“It’s different, something I have to get used to,” Ford said Monday. “Just helping however I can.”
Ford has totaled 1,378 rushing yards and seven touchdowns over the last two seasons. With a renewed emphasis on the run game in Cleveland, he’s ready to set the tone.
“The most exciting part is going out there and being able to put it on tape — putting together everything we’ve been working on,” Ford said. “If I do my job, everything else will fall into place. But it’s not just me. The O-line, wide receivers, and quarterbacks are all part of the run game.”
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
