Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland’s rookie running back, enters Week 2 with unusual circumstances shaping his possible first NFL appearance. Drafted 36th overall after a prolific college career at Ole Miss and Ohio State, Judkins spent the summer away from the team while legal issues played out and contract negotiations stalled.

Now, when he was asked about potential punishment from the NFL, “I can’t control that,” Quinshon said.

The Browns, who produced only 49 rushing yards on 24 carries in their season opener, could benefit from Quinshon Judkins’ downhill style and ability to create yards after contact. Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said, “We’ve been able to work with him physically over the last few days. He appears to be in good shape. But I think it’s important that we take this day by day.”

Although Florida prosecutors declined to pursue charges last month, Quinshon Judkins is still awaiting the NFL’s ruling under its personal conduct policy. For now, he is cleared to play. The situation draws parallels to last year, when the league suspended Browns’ 2024 second-round pick Mike Hall Jr., also an Ohio State product, for the first five games following a domestic violence incident.

After spring workouts and minicamps, Judkins entered camp with a strong grasp of the Browns’ playbook. “Definitely, there’s a good starting ground for him,” offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. That early foundation could prove crucial as coaches continue to evaluate his conditioning and command of the system in limited practice reps this week.

His debut won’t come easy, though, when it comes. Baltimore’s defense allowed just 80 rushing yards per game last season and remains one of the toughest units in the NFL. Since Kevin Stefanski took over in 2020, Cleveland has managed at least 100 rushing yards in six of 10 meetings against the Ravens. But sustaining that success without Nick Chubb will be the real test. For Judkins, Sunday offers both a launchpad and a reminder of the uphill climb that lies ahead.

Browns vs. Ravens: AFC North Showdown Set for Week 2

The Cleveland Browns visit Baltimore in Week 2 for a pivotal AFC North clash as both teams seek redemption. The Ravens blew a big fourth-quarter lead and lost to Buffalo 41-40 in Week 1. Baltimore’s offense flashed with Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers, but costly mistakes and a late collapse exposed weakness. Similarly, a 3rd quarter Bengals’ FG was enough to for the Browns to never lead in the game.

“We have to perform better as players. We have to give them a better plan. As coaches, you need to strain a little bit more. You have to use the technique a little bit more. It’s all the little things that add up to being a big thing when you talk about having rushing success,” Flacco said.

Cleveland enters 0-1 after dominating yardage and possession but falling short due to drops and special teams’ errors. Quarterback Joe Flacco played commendably, though turnovers hurt. The Browns are expected to lean on their running game more heavily this week, especially with rookie Quinshon Judkins returning to the mix after missing training camp. He participated fully in recent practices, with the team managing his snap count carefully as they headed into the game.

“I think with any player, you want to be very smart about where they are, because it’s all different,” Stefanski said. Defensively, Baltimore ranks among the stronger units against the run, allowing about 108 rushing yards per game thus far. Their front seven and linebacker play will test Cleveland’s rushing attack and Judkins’ ability to make plays behind blocks.

Despite each team’s Week 1 losses, the Ravens are still heavy favorites over the Browns, as Flacco returns to face his former team. If Cleveland protects the ball and executes in the red zone, they have a chance to steal a road win. At home, Baltimore’s physical defense and redemption drive can create chances to exploit the Browns’ mistakes.