Browns Rookie Quinshon Judkins Suffers Season-Ending Injury in Loss to Bills
In a season that’s already been filled with setbacks for the Cleveland Browns, Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills delivered perhaps the hardest blow yet. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, one of the team’s few bright spots in an otherwise rough year, was carted off the field following a gruesome injury that abruptly ended his promising debut season.
The injury occurred just after Judkins made a catch out of the backfield-a role he had grown increasingly comfortable in. As he turned upfield, he was met by a punishing hit from a Bills defender.
The collision was so severe that broadcast crews opted not to show a replay. Moments later, Judkins was being helped into the cart, his leg immobilized, and the energy inside the stadium shifted from competitive tension to collective concern.
The diagnosis was as tough as the hit itself: a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle. According to team sources, Judkins underwent surgery shortly after the game and is expected to miss 4-5 months. His mother, Teva Judkins, shared a photo of the two together post-op, thanking the Browns medical staff and the fans for their support during what she called a “blessed” but difficult time.
It’s a heartbreaking end to what had been a strong rookie campaign. Judkins entered the league with high expectations following standout stints at Ole Miss and Ohio State, where he piled up nearly 3,800 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns. He wasted no time making an impact in Cleveland, carving out a significant role in the backfield with his blend of power, vision, and burst.
At the time of his injury, Judkins had logged 230 carries for 827 yards and seven touchdowns. He was closing in on the 1,000-yard milestone-a mark that would’ve been a fitting capstone to a rookie season that showcased his ability to run through contact, stay upright in tight spaces, and contribute in the passing game. His effectiveness in pass protection also made him a reliable option on third downs, a rare trait for a first-year back.
Unfortunately, it was his versatility as a receiver that put him in harm’s way on Sunday. The play that led to his injury was a simple checkdown-one he had executed dozens of times this season. But in the NFL, even routine plays can turn dangerous in an instant.
For the Browns, the loss of Judkins is more than just a hit to the depth chart. He was one of the few offensive weapons who consistently moved the chains and brought energy to the huddle. His physical running style and ability to bounce off tacklers gave Cleveland a spark, even as the team struggled to find rhythm offensively.
Now sitting at 3-12, the Browns are officially out of playoff contention and shifting their focus toward the offseason. With only two games left-starting with a Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers-the team is essentially playing for draft position. But for a franchise that has endured its share of injury woes this year, losing Judkins is a particularly tough pill to swallow.
There’s no doubt that Judkins' rookie year was cut short just as it was gaining momentum. But if there’s any silver lining, it’s that the Browns have seen enough to know they’ve got something special in the backfield. His recovery will be closely watched, and if his first year was any indication, Judkins has both the talent and the toughness to come back stronger.
For now, though, Cleveland fans are left thinking about what might’ve been-and hoping that this setback is just the beginning of a long and impactful NFL career for their rookie running back.