Quinshon Judkins suffers devastating leg injury

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins suffered a serious leg injury during Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, bringing an abrupt end to what had been a productive first season for the second-round draft pick. The injury occurred late in the second quarter and required Judkins to be carted off the field.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski provided details after the game, confirming that Judkins had sustained a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle. The combination of injuries will require surgery and leaves the young running back facing a potentially lengthy recovery process heading into the 2026 season.

How the injury happened

The devastating injury took place during what appeared to be a routine play. Judkins caught a screen pass in the open field and was tackled by Bills defenders. During the tackle, his lower right leg twisted unnaturally in the wrong direction, immediately signaling the severity of the situation.

Judkins went down in obvious pain, and athletic trainers rushed onto the field to attend to him. The medical staff worked carefully to stabilize his leg before transporting him off the field. The entire sequence left teammates and fans watching with concern as the gravity of the injury became apparent.

Shortly after receiving initial treatment on the field, Judkins was placed on a cart and taken to the locker room for further evaluation. The Browns quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game, which they trailed 20-10 at the time of his departure. Cleveland eventually fell to Buffalo by a 23-20 score.

Standout performance throughout season

Despite the Browns enduring a largely disappointing campaign overall, Judkins had emerged as one of the team’s few bright spots on offense. The rookie had proven himself as Cleveland’s most reliable offensive weapon through his first 13 games of professional football.

Prior to Sunday’s injury, Judkins had accumulated 805 rushing yards and scored seven touchdowns on the ground. His production represented a significant contribution for a Cleveland offense that struggled to find consistency throughout the season. He also added value in the passing game, recording 142 receiving yards on 21 receptions.

The second-round pick from April’s NFL Draft had quickly established himself as a dependable presence in the Browns’ backfield. His ability to run between the tackles and contribute as a receiver made him a versatile weapon that offensive coordinator could deploy in various situations.

Backfield adjustment required

With Judkins sidelined, Raheim Sanders took over primary running back duties for the remainder of Sunday’s game. Sanders led the Browns in rushing attempts with 11 carries that produced 42 yards against the Bills defense.

The Browns will need to reassess their backfield depth heading into the final weeks of the season. Sanders will likely see increased opportunities, though the team may also explore other options from their practice squad or consider external additions depending on how they want to approach the remaining games.

Difficult season reaches new low

The injury to Judkins adds another chapter to what has been a challenging year for Cleveland. The Browns fell to 3-12 with Sunday’s loss, leaving them in last place in the AFC North Division with just two games remaining on their schedule.

The organization now faces questions about how to rebuild and improve for next season. Judkins was expected to be a key part of those plans, making his recovery timeline all the more important for Cleveland’s 2026 outlook.

The surgery required for his fractured fibula and dislocated ankle will determine when he can begin rehabilitation. The Browns medical staff will work closely with Judkins throughout his recovery to ensure he returns to full health.

This article is based on reporting from Yahoo Sports.