Staley: ‘I think Judkins can play all three downs’

Judkins has now missed two practices in a row. Cleveland’s Mary Kay Cabot reported Judkins’ absence yesterday, noting that Monken abruptly ended Tuesday’s practice because the defense was playing with too much physicality. Per Cabot, Judkins was “the object of much of the chippiness” that day. Monken said Judkins’ injury is unrelated, though. The second-year running back suffered a season-ending fibula fracture and ankle dislocation last year. Hopefully, Judkins’ current issue is unrelated. He could return weekly RB2 value this year, though RB Dylan Sampson could keep Judkins stuck in a run-centric role.

According to Cleveland’s Mary Kay Cabot, Judkins was “the object of much of the chippiness on Tuesday.” According to multiple beat reporters, Browns coach Todd Monken abruptly ended practice early yesterday because defenders were being a little too physical. The team could simply be giving Judkins the day off after taking some hits yesterday, but this is worth keeping an eye on. Browns No. 2 RB Dylan Sampson operated as the team’s starter with Judkins sitting out.

This is tremendous news for Judkins, who was last seen getting carted off the field after suffering a gruesome injury in Week 16. The second-year back is expected to lead the Browns’ backfield in carries after rushing for 230-837-7 in 14 games last season while adding another 26-171-0 through the air on 36 targets. His volume-heavy role makes him a safe candidate for a high-end RB2 in fantasy this season with a chance to drastically exceed those expectations if the Browns’ offense can improve on last year’s 31st ranked finish in their first year under head coach Todd Monken.

Judkins, entering his second NFL season, was an honorable mention in Jeremy Fowler’s list of top running backs headed into the 2026 season. “Runs incredibly hard, faster in the open field than you’d think,” the executive told Fowler. “I think he’s going to have a big year.” Coming off a major leg/ankle injury that ended his rookie campaign, Judkins participated in offseason practices and has a real chance to suit up for Week 1, barring injury setbacks in training camp and the preseason. Judkins had 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, adding 26 grabs for 171 yards. He was targeted on a strong 23 percent of his pass routes last season. Assuming health, Judkins could be an underrated option behind an improved Cleveland offensive line.

In a video from Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, Judkins appears to be moving quite well for a player recovering from a fractured fibula and a broken ankle. He suffered the injuries in Week 16 of his rookie season and was expected to miss 4-5 months. A mid-May return puts him on the early end of that timeline. Barring a surprise, Judkins should be full-go for the start of training camp. He was on pace for over 1,000 yards from scrimmage before missing the final two games of 2025. Fantasy managers can treat him as a volume-based RB2 in early drafts.

Berry maintained that Judkins should be able to fully participate in training camp, which typically starts in late July. We had not yet heard whether he would participate in organized team activities (OTAs) and/or mandatory minicamp, but given Berry’s comments, we could see him doing drills with teammates in May. At worst, it sounds like Judkins should retake the field with his teammates for workouts in June.

It’s expected news, but good to hear it from a team source. Judkins was expected to miss about 4-5 months after fracturing his fibula and dislocating his ankle in late December. It’s possible that Judkins could show up for some later parts of minicamp/OTAs based on that schedule, but even if he doesn’t, he should be ready to be Cleveland’s bellcow back in 2026.

Sampson led the Browns in carries but still ceded six attempts to his backups and another five to Cleveland’s wide receivers. Sampson was ultimately doomed to committee duties the moment he was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round. The team had already taken Quinshon Judkins two rounds earlier and Jerome Ford was in the mix as a competent backup. Even when he got the opportunity for more work, Sampson wasn’t particularly impressive. The rookie averaged a dismal 2.7 yards per carry en route to just 175 rushing yards. Sampson wasn’t the only back to struggle in the Browns’ horrendous offensive environment, but he did play notably worse than his backfield compatriots. Browns fans and dynasty managers will hope that Sampson can take over as the team’s top option on passing downs next year. He caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two scores this year while averaging a stellar 1.9 yards per route run. With Ford headed into free agency during the offseason, his role should be Sampson’s for the taking.

Sampson was the third running back on the field to start the game for the Browns, as Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams both saw snaps before the fourth-round rookie. Sampson’s 11 carries wound up leading the team, but his 27 yards weren’t what fantasy managers were hoping for. He had a 25-yard run negated by a holding penalty, but this was a disappointing day for Sampson, who had a chance to step in as the lead back. Sampson will likely find himself in a committee again when the Browns face the Bengals next week.

With Sampson officially active, the rookie fourth-rounder has a chance to lead the Browns’ backfield with Quinshon Judkins (leg/ankle) sidelined. When Judkins was inactive for Week 1, Sampson stepped up to lead the Browns’ backfield with 20 total opportunities, and caught 8-of-8 targets for 64 yards. Playing in a rain-soaked Cleveland, Sampson should be a safe bet for double-digit touches and plenty of check downs from Shedeur Sanders, who has made a living off targeting his running backs this season. While Sampson is active, the Browns did declare QB Dillon Gabriel, CB Myles Harden, OL Kendrick Green, OT Jeremiah Byers, WR Jamari Thrash, TE David Njoku, and DT Sam Kamara inactive for Week 17.