Browns general manager Andrew Berry did not have an update on Quinshon Judkins.
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Browns general manager Andrew Berry did not have an update on Quinshon Judkins.
The regular season is quickly approaching but Cleveland Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins is still not with the team.
Judkins, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, was arrested on July 12 and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery stemming from an alleged incident involving his girlfriend.
Earlier this month, prosecutors announced Judkins would not face charges.
“This incident was not captured on any video surveillance,” the decline memorandum read. “There are no independent witnesses to the incident. Although the victim had photos showing injuries sustained, there were also videos in that same time frame where no injuries were observed to the victim. Additionally, the victim’s injuries depicted in the photos could be explained by either account of the incident.
“Finally, there was a delayed report of the incident. The delay is problematic as the victim was alone on numerous occasions without the Defendant, had the ability and resources to make the report without his knowledge, but chose not to do so. For the reasons set forth above, there is no reasonable likelihood of conviction and this case is being declined.”
Browns Have No Update on Quinshon Judkins
While Judkins is in the clear legally, there’s still a chance that the NFL could suspend the former Ohio State standout. The investigation by the league remains open and Judkins remains unsigned. When he could join the Browns remains firmly in the air.
“There’s not much that I have an update on in terms of (Quinshon),” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said on Saturday during an in-game interview. “We’ll take that day by day and manage the situation appropriately.”
Part of the issue may stem from Judkins’ contract situation. He held out initially in pursuit of a fully guaranteed deal, similar to other high second-round picks. But his off-field troubles, combined with missing training camp and the preseason, have hurt his standing.
The Browns may also be waiting to see if the league delivers a punishment before officially signing Judkins.
Browns Searching for Help at Running Back
The Browns drafted Judkins No. 36 overall with the intention of making him their bell-cow back following the departure of Nick Chubb.
“He’s a very well-rounded back. We’ve been spoiled the past couple years with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, and we feel like Quinshon is very much in that mold, in terms of skill set,” Berry said after drafting Judkins. “Not necessarily saying that he’s going to develop into one of those players but we think he can be a bellcow runner that can really carry the load for us.”
The uncertainty with Judkins has led to Cleveland checking out what’s available on the running back market, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
With Judkins out of the mix, Jerome Ford, rookie Dylan Sampson and Pierre Strong Jr. are expected to share the backfield. Strong suffered a concussion in the team’s preseason finale and is in concussion protocol.
It’s a tough situation for an offense that lacks explosive weapons and will roll with 40-year-old Joe Flacco at quarterback for Week 1.