Following an offseason of off-field distractions, Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has officially won the team’s starting job. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the second-round pick will make his first official start just two weeks after he signed his rookie contract.
Browns Will Start Quinshon Judkins Against Green Bay Packers
While Quinshon Judkins didn’t start in Week 2’s contest against the Baltimore Ravens, he was easily the best running back on the Browns. Making his NFL debut, the Ohio State product finished his first professional game with 61 yards on just 10 carries while adding another 10 yards on three receptions. He was one of the few bright pieces on offense, and the team clearly feels comfortable giving him a larger role.
While Judkins will have more opportunities, he probably won’t have the same efficiency. Cleveland faces off against a white-hot Green Bay Packers team that shut down two of the league’s better offenses in their first two contests. In Week 1, the Packers held Dan Campbell’s Lions to just 13 points. Last week, the team limited Jayden Daniels and company to just 18 points.
Quinshon Judkins will be the starter, but he won’t be the only Browns running back to earn carries. Look for fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson to see most of the backup work with veteran Jerome Ford playing situationally. If the two rookies continue to perform well, don’t be surprised if the struggling Browns trade Ford closer to the deadline. After all, he’s no superstar, but he looked like an adequate starter while filling in for the injured Nick Chubb. Chances are, some team will forfeit a late-round pick for his services.
Main Photo: Mitch Stringer – Imagn Images
