As the Cleveland Browns and head coach Todd Monken continue to navigate their way through the offseason, fans were able to get a first glimpse of the new-and-improved offense during the team’s OTA period on Wednesday afternoon.
While there is plenty of conversation surrounding the quarterback battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and 2025 fifth-round pick Sheduer Sanders, second-year running back Quinshon Judkins continues to make tremendous progress in his efforts to return to the field this offseason.
When asked about Judkins after Wednesday’s OTA period, Monken told reporters that he “looked pretty good,” and that “no one works harder” than the 22-year-old.
“[Judkins] looked pretty good to me,” Monken claimed. “Obviously, there’s been a couple of days he gets a little sore, which is normal, but no one works harder. And you talk about a competitive spirit, and we don’t even get to see him run. I think his rare trait is he’s a bull, like refuses to go down, and we don’t even get to see that here. So, I’m excited.”
Judkins’ future outlook with the Browns in 2026
After being selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Browns, Judkins had massive shoes to fill following the departure of the team’s former legendary running back, Nick Chubb. However, the highly-touted offensive weapon did not disappoint in his rookie season.
Despite missing the first game of the 2025 regular season, Judkins quickly took over as Cleveland’s main bellcow on the ground. The former Ohio State standout would go on to record 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries, with many fans believing that Judkins could be in the running for the 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Unfortunately, his strong rookie campaign with the Browns was cut short due to him suffering a season-ending injury in the team’s Week 16 battle against the Buffalo Bills. The brutal injury raised concerns as to whether or not he would be ready to go for Week One of the 2026 season, but Judkins’ progress from voluntary minicamp to OTAs is a promising sign for his status.
With a new and improved offensive line to run behind, there’s a good chance that Judkins will thrive under Monken next season. Throughout his time with the Baltimore Ravens, the newest Browns’ head coach has an excellent track record in terms of a solid run game, which will greatly benefit the young star’s production in 2026 and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns’ HC Todd Monken reveals status of Quinshon Judkins during OTAs
Reporting by Dylan Feltovich, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
