Quinshon Judkins injury: Browns rookie RB leaves with shoulder issue vs. Patriots — what it means for Cleveland’s depth chart

Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins exited Sunday’s road loss in Foxborough with a shoulder injury midway through the third quarter and did not return. He was initially tagged questionable, then ruled out as the game wore on. The team will run imaging to determine the exact nature and timeline, but early indications point to a week-to-week situation rather than an immediate season-ender. With a bye in Week 9, the Browns have a small window to assess and reset the backfield.

How the Judkins injury happened

Judkins’ final snap came with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter following a short reception. After contact to the shoulder area, trainers evaluated him on the sideline and escorted him to the medical tent. He finished the day with 9 carries for 19 yards and one reception. Coaches expressed postgame cautious optimism pending tests, declining to speculate before scans.

Where the Browns’ RB room stands without Judkins

Cleveland entered 2025 planning a committee tilted toward the rookie’s tackle-breaking and goal-line finishing. If Judkins misses time, here’s how the workload likely rebalances:

• Jerome Ford — lead early downs / pass pro: The veteran becomes the primary ballcarrier and the most trusted back in protection. Expect the inside-zone and duo menu to lean his way, plus the 2-minute offense if he holds up in blitz pickup.

• Dylan Sampson — change of pace / perimeter stress: The rookie speedster profiles for outside zone, jet action, and screens. Snap counts should rise, especially on scripted openers and third-and-manageable downs.

• Short-yardage committee: Without Judkins’ pile-moving style, Cleveland may pivot to heavier personnel (extra TE) and QB keepers to protect efficiency near the sticks and in the low red zone.

• Practice-squad elevation candidate: Staff can elevate a depth back for special teams and a handful of carries to keep Ford/Sampson fresh if Judkins is inactive after the bye.

Browns RB depth chart (projected if Judkins sits)

(Assignments can flex by opponent; bye week gives coaches time to tailor roles.)

Why this matters to Cleveland’s offense

Judkins’ presence had stabilized Cleveland’s run-first identity and red-zone sequencing. Without him, the margins tighten:

• Red zone: Expect more play-action to TEs and condensed formations to manufacture downhill leverage.

• Explosives: Sampson’s touches can replace some big-play threat, but the staff must protect him from heavy pass-pro asks.

• Down-and-distance: Ford’s ability to eliminate losses on early downs becomes critical to keep the call sheet open.

What to watch this week and after the bye

1. Imaging results: Shoulder injuries range from AC sprains (often week-to-week) to more complex issues that demand longer recovery. Any talk of a brace or harness would hint at a shorter path back.

2. Roster moves: A standard elevation or signing would signal expectations that Judkins could miss at least one game beyond the bye.

3. Run-game tweaks: Look for pin-pull and counter wrinkles to suit Ford, plus screen volume to get Sampson easy touches.

Big-picture context

Cleveland’s offense has leaned on defense + ground game to navigate a turbulent first half. The backfield was built to withstand a blow, but Judkins is the one runner who consistently finishes through contact and tilts the low red in their favor. If the scans are kind and the bye buys him time, the Browns can emerge in Week 10 with their committee intact. If not, they’ll ride Ford’s steadiness, scale up Sampson’s space role, and trust structure—personnel groupings, motion, and play-action—to fill the gap.

For now, the headline is simple: Quinshon Judkins hurt his shoulder, further tests are coming, and Cleveland’s depth chart just became a puzzle the coaches must solve over the bye.