Content warning: This article contains depictions of alleged domestic assault.
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins could make his NFL debut in Week 2. Judkins will meet with the NFL during the week, and it’s reportedly likely he’ll play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
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That would mark an extremely quick return for Judkins, who did not sign with the Browns until Saturday, a day before the team’s Week 1 game.
There was a reason Judkins did not sign for most of the offseason. The team opted to put all negotiations with Judkins on hold after he was arrested for alleged domestic violence in July. Judkins was accused of punching a woman in the chip/lip area, arm and thigh at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
In August, prosecutors decided not to move forward with the case. They cited multiple factors in that decision, including the alleged incident not being captured on video and the victim waiting a few days before reporting the incident to police.
With Judkins’ legal situation resolved, the Browns felt comfortable enough to sign him to a four-year, $11.4 million deal Saturday. Since Judkins missed out on the team’s training camp, he’s not expected to play when the Browns take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.
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While Judkins avoided legal charges, he could still face punishment from the NFL. The league has the ability to suspend players even in situations where they are not charged for a crime. Schefter’s report appears to suggest either Judkins will avoid punishment from the league, or that it won’t make that decision ahead of the team’s Week 2 game.
The Browns had high expectations for Judkins after selecting him with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Judkins was a standout during his three seasons in college, rushing for at least 1,000 yards and scoring at least 14 touchdowns each year.
With Judkins likely sidelined in Week 1, the Browns are expected to rely on Jerome Ford and some combination of rookie Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders against the Bengals.
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