Is Cleveland's offense in trouble? Quinshon Judkins injury adds to Browns QB uncertainty

As the Cleveland Browns look to establish an offensive identity under new head coach Todd Monken , running back Quinshon Judkins is expected to become one of the team’s most important pieces. However, before taking on that larger role, Cleveland needs to make sure he can stay healthy.

An injury sidelines Judkins

Judkins missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday after sitting out the team’s joint session with the Buffalo Bills. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com , the running back is dealing with a “nagging” injury that has limited his participation.

While the situation has raised some concerns, Monken downplayed the issue and said keeping Judkins out was mainly a precautionary decision .

“Out of precaution. I think we were smart with where he’s at,” Monken said.

The lack of details surrounding the injury has created some uncertainty about Judkins’ condition, especially since it continues to bother him. Still, the Browns understand the impact their running back can have and, after his rookie season ended early due to injury, they are choosing to be cautious with one of their most important offensive weapons.

Cleveland needs Judkins’ impact

During his rookie campaign, Judkins showed his potential by recording 230 carries for 827 yards and seven touchdowns , ranking among the NFL’s busiest running backs with the 18th-most rushing attempts in the league .

Now with more experience, his role in Monken’s system is expected to grow significantly, especially with Cleveland still searching for answers at quarterback.

Neither Deshaun Watson nor Shedeur Sanders has completely erased doubts, meaning the running game could become Cleveland’s most reliable path to moving the offense forward.

The Browns will continue monitoring Judkins’ progress in the coming days, but they know his availability will be crucial to the team’s hopes as the start of the season approaches.