Browns’ Quinshon Judkins targets a return to No. 1 burst after fibula/ankle injury

The Browns are betting that Quinshon Judkins can quickly translate the rehab progress he’s shown this spring into a stronger second season. Cleveland’s rookie year ended last December when Judkins fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle during a Week 16 loss to the Bills, an injury that required surgery and cut short what had been an immediate impact campaign.

Six months after the procedure, Judkins is reportedly on track in his recovery and looking more like the runner the Browns drafted for power-and-pace runs. At mandatory minicamp this month, coach Todd Monken said that Judkins “has his confidence back” and that he has his “explosion,” with Monken adding that the team will evaluate more once pads come on.

Judkins’ first season was defined by volume and production rather than cameo moments. According to the report, the former Ohio State standout was selected 34th overall last year, started in all 14 appearances, and produced 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries. He also contributed through the air with 26 receptions for 171 yards, a reminder that Cleveland’s plans for him were not limited to early-down work.

The Browns have not made a notable backfield addition during the offseason so far, leaving established holdovers in place behind Judkins. The roster picture referenced in the report lists Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders as next in line on the depth chart, which increases the scrutiny on Judkins’ ability to stay healthy while resuming the role that already carried him through his first NFL season.

For Cleveland, this is the central question: can Judkins be the “No. 1” back again without the confidence issues that often linger after a major lower-leg injury. Monken’s comments suggest the coaching staff is seeing the right signs in conditioning and movement during spring work, but the most meaningful test will come in contact and in-game decision-making once practices shift away from mostly controlled environments.

Judkins’ return also carries broader offense implications for a team that will want consistent rhythm from the ground game, particularly with his early usage pattern in mind. If he looks like a high-efficiency runner again, it can reduce pressure on play callers by forcing defenses to account for both his rushing and receiving roles, the two areas where his rookie production was strongest.

Beyond Cleveland, the same reporting package notes items involving the Packers and Lions. However, the details available here focus on Judkins’ recovery, so the key takeaway for now is Cleveland’s desire to see the pads-and-contact version of his explosiveness hold up.

For what to watch next, the Browns’ offseason evaluation should center on whether Judkins can maintain burst through changing surfaces and physical demands, and whether the coaching staff’s language about confidence matches what appears in full-squad work. If his movement looks sharp once pads are introduced, it will strengthen Cleveland’s expectation that his first-round expectation can be fully realized in year two.