Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins missed Wednesday practice and now faces a real chance of missing Sunday’s game. He is battling an ankle injury that has him up in the air for the Week 6 clash against the Baltimore Ravens. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Judkins no longer wears a walking boot, yet he still did not take part in drills. This is bad news for a team that already lost Raheim Sanders to the injured reserve list just Tuesday.
The Numbers Tell a Rough Story
Even if Judkins does play, his value is shaky at best. Through the initial five contests of the 2026 campaign, the 22-year-old averages a mere 3.0 yards per carry. He has 73 rushing attempts for 221 yards and just one touchdown on the ground. Per RotoBaller NFL, he added 18 receptions for 102 yards as a receiver, but those stats do not make up for the lack of big plays. His fantasy status sits on the RB2 or RB3 borderline, which is a risky spot to bet your lineup.
The backfield situation is a complete mess right now. Dylan Sampson remains on injured reserve with a knee issue, though the team did open his 21-day practice window this week. If Judkins cannot go and Sampson does not return, the Browns will be left with only Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime to run the ball against a tough Ravens defense. That is a thin group to rely on when you need to move the chains.
Resting a Star Is Not the Answer
It is tempting to say the team is just being smart by resting him, but that logic falls apart when you look at the roster. You do not sit your best runner right before a division game unless he is truly broken. The team opened his practice window, which means they want him to get back, yet he still sits out. That sends a confusing message to the fans and the players alike. A healthy backfield needs to be ready to fight, not just rest and wait.
The injury history adds to the worry. Following the Week 5 defeat against the New York Jets where Judkins got hurt, he is currently sidelined once more. The team needs to decide if he can handle the workload or if they need to move on. A running back who cannot stay on the field is a liability, no matter how much talent he has. The Browns cannot afford to have their main playmaker disappear every other week.
Per reports, the team is watching the week closely to see what happens with his status for Sunday. The Ravens are a division rival, and losing a key piece in that matchup would hurt the season plans.
