NFL insider says Browns plan to treat Quinshon Judkins like a backup in debut vs. Ravens

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins is finally set to make his NFL debut in Week 2. The second-round pick, taken 36th overall in April, was activated this week ahead of Sunday’s divisional clash with the Baltimore Ravens.

Judkins arrival adds another piece to a crowded backfield that already features Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson, but Judkins’ talent has long suggested he could be the future centerpiece of the group.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that the Browns plan to “closely monitor” Judkins’ snaps in his debut, using him more like a backup as he ramps up. While the rookie won’t immediately carry a starter’s workload, Cleveland’s hope is that he can eventually take over the job outright. For now, the focus is on getting him acclimated and back into game shape after a turbulent offseason kept him away from the team.

Judkins’ first few months in the NFL were anything but smooth. He was arrested in July on a misdemeanor battery charge in Florida, which put his status with the Browns in limbo. After prosecutors declined to pursue the case in mid-August, Judkins rejoined the team and quickly signed his four-year, $11.4 million contract. He practiced for the first time since minicamp late last week and was officially activated just in time for Sunday’s matchup in Baltimore.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted that Judkins had “done everything we’ve asked him to do up to this point” while ramping up in practice. Even so, his status remains under league review, as the NFL continues to investigate the offseason incident. He has not been placed on the commissioner exempt list, leaving him free to play while the process unfolds.

The Browns could use the boost. Their rushing attack faltered badly in Week 1, finishing with only 49 yards and 2 yards per carry in a 17-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. While Ford should remain the lead back in Baltimore, Judkins’ size, burst, and vision give Cleveland a new weapon, even if only in short spurts during his debut.

Fans have waited months to see Judkins in a Browns uniform, and even in a limited role, this weekend offers the first glimpse of his potential. If all goes as the organization hopes, Sunday may serve as the first step toward Judkins developing into the Browns’ long-term answer at running back.