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Quinshon Judkins #10 of the Cleveland Browns

There was not much that went right for the Cleveland Browns offensively in 2025, but it could be argued that the running backs were the highlight. The Browns had a hit on Ohio State rookie Quinshon Judkins in the second round of last season’s draft, and he finished with 827 yards on 230 carries, adding seven touchdowns last season behind a ramshackle offensive line.

But in just another kick-them-when-they’re down moment, Judkins’ season ended with a hard-to-watch dislocated ankle and fractured fibula suffered in Week 16 against Buffalo as he was attempting to make a catch coming out of the backfield. The scene was gruesome enough, in fact, that the CBS broadcast did not show the replay.

Back on December 23 , the team announced that Judkins had undergone surgery and outlined a four-to-six-month recovery period. This week, when the Browns hit the field at the team’s practice facility for the first time in Barea, Judkins was present and in his jersey. He was not a full go for the workout, but his presence was a positive sign.

Quinshon Judkins ‘Looked Tremendously Fit’

On Twitter/X, Browns analyst Lance Reisland of Cleveland.com wrote, “Coming off a leg injury, Quinshon Judkins was off to the side yesterday working with trainers and staff. Looked tremendously fit, strong, and in great shape. Should be ready to roll with no setbacks for the 2026 NFL season. #Browns.”

In his meeting with reporters after the Browns opening practice, coach Todd Monken gave an update on where things stand with Judkins. On the early side of the recovery timeline, Judkins could be ready any day now. But it appears the Browns are not going to rush things with him, and indeed, there is little reason to do so at this point.

Said Monken: “We anticipate with each week he’s going to get closer and closer. When that is, his body will tell him. But we do anticipate somewhere before the end of spring/summer, we’ll have him out there.”

Quinshon Judkins Should Benefit From New Browns Offensive Line

Judkins could be the big beneficiary of the Browns’ offseason approach thus far. The team was very well-focused in the free agency period, in which the team completely rebuilt the offensive line. The Browns traded for tackle Tytus Howard, signed guard Zion Johnson and also signed center/guard Elgton Jenkins. The Browns are also expected to take at least one lineman in the NFL draft, and probably will add two or three more by the end of the weekend.

That will be a much better group for Judkins to run behind, assuming the linemen can stay healthy.

Browns Will ‘Mix and Match’ on O-Linemen

When it comes to the Browns line, filling in positionally remains a question mark. Jenkins is especially interesting because he could slide to guard or play center. Howard would prefer to play right tackle but could be forced to move to left tackle depending on other factors.

Monken was asked about Jenkins and line positions this week.

“Well, we got to mix and match, guys,” he said. “We would have probably started him at center, probably would have put him at center. But again, it’s trying to match who we have because with (Luke Wypler) Wyp out and then Elgton and without the Draft and getting that point, you’re kind of trying to mix match.

“There are some guys that had to line up at tackle that we may see down the road as guard. So it’s really just getting the best five out there and then the next five for the second group.”