Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has taken a significant step forward in his recovery from a right ankle injury. Spotted moving around the Cleveland locker room without a walking boot on Wednesday, the second-year running back provided a tangible sign of progress for a Browns offense preparing for an important divisional matchup.
According to reports from Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com, Judkins is not expected to practice on Wednesday, but shedding the protective boot marks a notable milestone after he sustained the injury during Sunday’s 17-12 loss to the New York Jets. Earlier in the week, Browns head coach Todd Monken described Judkins as day-to-day. That designation indicates that the coaching staff has not ruled out the possibility of their featured running back returning to the field this Sunday for a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Judkins’ participation level, or lack thereof, during practices on Thursday and Friday will ultimately guide the Browns’ decision regarding whether he will suit up for the weekend contest. The 22-year-old ball-carrier has been a focal point of the Cleveland offense since arriving via the 2025 NFL Draft. Selected 36th overall out of Ohio State—where he combined with his collegiate career at Ole Miss to rush for 45 touchdowns in 42 games—Judkins quickly established himself as a physical presence in the NFL. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 221 pounds, he boasts a powerful build paired with explosive speed, clocking a 4.48-second 40-yard dash during the draft process.
Before signing a four-year, $11.4 million contract with the Browns in September 2025, Judkins navigated a pre-draft and preseason preparation period that included minor hurdles, including a resolved legal case and delayed contract finalization. Upon his arrival in Cleveland, he quickly worked his way into a prominent role within the backfield rotation, balancing punishing short-yardage and red-zone duties alongside teammates such as Jerome Ford, who typically handles passing-down snaps, and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson.
Judkins’ durability and tough running style have proven vital to the Browns’ ground game throughout the 2026 season. Earlier in the month, he delivered a productive performance in a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, rushing 17 times for 53 yards and a touchdown while hauling in six of seven targets for 43 yards. Just a week prior, in a 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers, he carried the ball 18 times for 70 yards and added two receptions. Even during the preseason, when minor injuries cropped up—such as an undisclosed nagging issue that kept him out of a couple of practices in August—head coach Todd Monken expressed confidence in his runner, downplaying concerns and ensuring he remained on track for the regular season.
Now, as the Browns turn their attention to a Week 6 clash, they face a challenging test against a Baltimore Ravens pass defense and overall unit that presents formidable metrics. The Ravens enter the matchup anchored by a strong defensive scheme, boasting a stellar overall quarterback rating against of 76.9. While Baltimore’s defensive front and secondary present a stiff challenge for opposing offenses, having a player of Judkins’ caliber available would provide a crucial boost to Cleveland’s offensive balance.
If Judkins is unable to clear the necessary hurdles by the end of the week, the Browns will have to rely more heavily on their depth chart to shoulder the load against Baltimore. However, the sight of Judkins walking around the locker room unassisted by a boot offers a promising signal that his absence may be brief. The coming days of practice will provide the definitive answer as the Browns monitor his recovery and evaluate his readiness to rejoin the lineup for Sunday’s 1:00 PM kickoff.
