Running back depth gets tested more than any other position over the course of an NFL season. The physical toll of carrying the ball week after week means teams rarely make it through a year with the same group intact. Some teams weather those absences with ease, while others are forced to piece things together on the fly. The Browns find themselves in the second category heading into Sunday’s showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Quinshon Judkins is out for the Ravens game today.
“Browns RB Quinshon Judkins, who was questionable with an ankle injury, is out today,” Schefter wrote.
Browns RB Quinshon Judkins, who was questionable with an ankle injury, is out today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2026
Quinshon Judkins’ absence is not a complete surprise. He was spotted in a walking boot on his right foot after last week’s loss to the New York Jets, missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday and was only limited on Friday.
It still leaves a significant hole in the backfield. Judkins has handled the bulk of the work this season, logging at least 20 touches in back-to-back games before the trip to New Jersey, and he has forced 18 missed tackles despite running behind a line that has struggled to open lanes.
The depth behind him has been thinned out as well. Raheim Sanders is on injured reserve with a hip injury, and Dylan Sampson has been ruled out as he works back from a knee injury.
That leaves Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin to carry the load. Estime was signed off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad just this week and brings a physical, downhill style along with a career rushing success rate of nearly 52%. McLaughlin broke off a 28-yard touchdown run against the Pittsburgh Steelers and offers more speed in space.
There is some familiarity between the 2. Both spent time with the Denver Broncos, so they will not be strangers sharing the backfield.
Todd Monken has made it clear the run game sits at the root of the offense’s struggles. Without Judkins, establishing balance against Baltimore becomes even harder, which could put more on Deshaun Watson’s shoulders behind an offensive line that allowed 8 sacks last week.
The passing game, at least, is getting reinforcements. KC Concepcion is expected back after clearing the concussion protocol, giving Watson another reliable option to pair with Denzel Boston.
The Ravens are dealing with major absences of their own, including Lamar Jackson and Cam Jurgens. With both teams shorthanded, the game may come down to which side handles its injuries better. For the Browns, that starts with Estime and McLaughlin making the most of their opportunity in a game that could put Cleveland in 1st place in the AFC North.
NEXT: Insider Makes Bold Prediction About Denzel Boston Against Ravens
