Browns Make Feelings Clear on Quinshon Judkins’ Absence After Loss
The Cleveland Browns were not eager to talk about Quinshon Judkins following a 17-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
The Browns put themselves in a position to score an upset in the opener. However, a series of key miscues in the second half doomed Cleveland.
The Browns were unable to get anything going on the ground. Cleveland had just 49 yards rushing in the game, averaging a paltry 2.0 yards per rush. The team’s longest rush of the afternoon was just five yards.
With Judkins sidelined, Cleveland’s backfield is not at full strength. The former Ohio State and Ole Miss standout finally signed with the Browns on Saturday after an extended holdout that was complicated by his off-field troubles.
Judkins will be a large part of the ground game when he makes his debut. However, Browns skipper Kevin Stefanski didn’t want to address what kind of impact Judkins might have had against the Bengals.
“Not on my mind,” Stefanski said when asked about Judkins.
Browns See Bell-Cow Potential in Quinshon Judkins
The Browns selected Judkins in the second round with pick No. 36 overall. Cleveland did so, knowing they were moving on from Nick Chubb, a fan-favorite and four-time Pro Bowler. General manager Andrew Berry said after selecting Judkins that he sees “bell cow” potential in the rookie.
“We feel like he’s just a very well-rounded back,” Berry said. “We’ve obviously been spoiled over the past couple of years, particularly with Nick and Kareem (Hunt). And we feel like he is very much in that mold in terms of skill set. Not necessarily saying that he’s going to, with certainty, develop into one of those players. We certainly hope that’s the case. But we think that he can be a bell cow runner that can really carry the load for us.”
Judkins was a big producer during his college career, first at Ole Miss and then at Ohio State. He rushed for 3,785 yards and 45 touchdowns over three college seasons.
Dylan Sampson Shines for Browns
The Browns other rookie running back, Dylan Sampson, did play against the Bengals and made a big impact. Sampson led the Browns in carries (12) and catches (8). He collected 94 total yards on those touches.
“He’s a guy that we’re counting on. We trust him,” Stefanski said. “I know he’s a rookie, but he’s very mature. He’s very intelligent. Doesn’t carry himself like a rookie. He’s a good football player, we’re going to need him.”
Sampson will likely continue to be a big part of the game plan, even after Judkins returns, which could come next week. But Stefanski did acknowledge the ground game needs to be more consistent.
“I think we left some yards out there in the run game. I think we can absolutely be better in the run game,” Stefanski said. “So that would be a point of emphasis for us. There are some things that we can help our guys with as coaches, but ultimately, I think that we certainly can be better.”
The Browns will face one of the best offenses in the league next week as they head to Baltimore to see Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens.
49ers Lose Key Weapon: George Kittle Out for Several Weeks Following Injury
The San Francisco 49ers’ offense continues to be damaged by injuries to start 2025. Star tight end George Kittle, who was having a great first half, went down with a hamstring injury.
Before that point, he had tallied 25 yards on four receptions and seemed to be a comfortable safety valve for QB Brock Purdy.
Kittle was unable to return for the remainder of the action and will reportedly miss additional weeks.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters in San Francisco that Kittle is expected to “be out a few weeks.”
It was a big-time catch. Earlier in that drive he had his first NFL catch and it was followed the next play by his second. I want to say it was three plays later by the game winner. So, I think Brock just ended up getting confidence in him very quickly as the drive went.”
When asked if the 31-year-old may be placed on Injured Reserve, Shanahan said, “When they tell me a few weeks, it’s always a possibility.”
“In order to do that, it’s got to be a four-week injury,” he continued. “So, I don’t think we’ve decided on that yet.”
Undrafted in 2022, Jake Tonges stepped up for Kittle in Seattle, securing the first catch of his career.
And his first touchdown reception ended up being the game-winner, a promising start for the young player.
It was a big-time catch,” Shanahan said of Tonges on Monday. “Earlier in that drive he had his first NFL catch and it was followed the next play by his second.
“I want to say it was three plays later by the game winner,” he continued. “So, I think Brock just ended up getting confidence in him very quickly as the drive went on.”
Tonges will have more opportunity in Kittle’s absence, while the wide receiver room adds a familiar face in Kendrick Bourne, who reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with San Francisco.
The San Francisco 49ers are adding another target for Brock Purdy, bringing back a familiar face.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is reportedly re-signing with San Francisco on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dealing with a depleted WR room headed into Sunday’s season debut in Seattle, head coach Kyle Shanahan was utilizing tight end George Kittle in the pass game.
