Losing your starting running back is never a good thing, no matter how much he may be struggling. So even though Quinshon Judkins has left a lot to be desired this season, the Cleveland Browns need him on the field.
Following a 17-12 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, Judkins was seen wearing a walking boot. Now, details about his injury have come to light.
Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland provided the update, with head coach Todd Monken describing Judkins as “day to day” heading toward the Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
“Browns HC Todd Monken said Quinshon Judkins ‘had a little tweak’ in his ankle from yesterday’s game, which is why he left in a medical boot. Monken described Judkins as ‘day to day,'” Justice posted.
#Browns HC Todd Monken said Quinshon Judkins "had a little tweak" in his ankle from yesterday's game, which is why he left in a medical boot.
Monken described Judkins as "day-to-day."
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) October 12, 2026
Judkins’ injury may have contributed to him gaining just 44 yards on 14 carries against the Jets, but it was the fourth time in five games this season that he has averaged less than 3.2 yards per carry. Those struggles go back further than that, as he was below that number in four of his final five games last year before suffering a season-ending leg injury.
The second-year pro was described as fully healthy after recovering from the dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula he suffered in Week 16. This injury is to the same ankle, so it may be more concerning than it would be otherwise.
There were training camp reports that Judkins had regained his explosiveness, but that has yet to be seen this season. He has just 221 yards on 73 carries, with a long run of 14 yards, and backups Raheim Sanders and Jaleel McLaughlin have each shown more burst in limited action.
Other contributing factors include the Browns’ rebuilt offensive line already going through some changes, and an over-reliance on the shotgun formation compared to other NFL teams. Yet, after gaining 620 yards in his first nine NFL games, Judkins has 428 yards in his next 10.
Sanders left the game against the Jets in the fourth quarter with a hip injury, so his status for Week 6 is in doubt as well. Fortunately, Dylan Sampson, who suffered a knee injury in the season opener, could be close to returning to practice from injured reserve.
But until then, the Browns will need much more from Judkins if he is able to play this week.
NEXT: Richard Sherman Explains Why The Jets Loss Could Haunt The Browns
