Browns RB Quinshon Judkins managed just 33 yards on 12 carries in Sunday's lopsided loss to the Jaguars. He added 2 catches for 17 yards on 2 targets but ceded some passing-game work to Raheim Sanders. RB Dylan Sampson left in the first quarter with a knee injury that reportedly had him on crutches after the game.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Browns, Limited Receiving Could Doom RB's Production
We'll learn more about the severity of Sampson's injury after his Monday testing.
His departure would seem to be good news for Judkins' passing-game usage, but the starter still split those opportunities near-evenly with Sanders. Judkins ran 15 routes to Sanders' 13 for the game, according to Pro Football Focus. That included Judkins leaving the field for third downs and 2-minute drill situations.
That's bad news for Judkins' receiving upside, and the weakness of his offense increases the importance of that area.
His rough outing against Jacksonville wasn't surprising. The Jaguars finished last season fourth in run-defense DVOA and eighth-toughest on RBs by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.
Cleveland made the matchup worse for its run game by falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter and 24-0 by halftime.
Judkins did at least dominate early-down work for the game. PFF credited him with playing 83.8% of early-down snaps, well up from his average of 61.1% last year.
But Judkins will need much better game scripts and/or more receiving production to support his fantasy profile.
The Browns face another traditionally tough run D at Tampa Bay next week before a more favorable home date with the Panthers in Week 3. Try to plan around using Judkins in Week 2 if you can manage.
