The Cleveland Browns are fine at running back even without rookie Quinshon Judkins.

There always seems to be something going on with the Cleveland Browns.

And with the continuous uncertainty regarding recent first round draft pick, Quinshon Judkins, the Browns head into the season in a position they hardly foresaw.

Judkins was a heralded prospect after spending two seasons with Ole Miss and transferred to Ohio State where he captured the National Championship.

However, on July 12, a few months after he was drafted to the Browns, he was arrested for domestic assault and battery. But exactly one month later, prosecutors opted not to pursue charges, clearing his name and making him available to play football again.

The difference is Week 1 is a few days away and still Judkins’ representation and the Browns have yet to agree on a contract.

Due to his legal issues and his lack of contract, Judkins hasn’t been present for training camp, but a report surfaced on September 1, that there’s a chance he reports, which means a contract may very well be on the way.

But since then, it’s been crickets from both parties.

There’s still a strong chance that no matter what, Judkins is suspended for a handful of games and it forces the Browns to lean more on veteran Jerome Ford and 2025 fourth round pick, Dylan Sampson.

Cleveland also picked up Raheim “Rocket” Sanders off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers, adding quality depth to a running back room that is in flux.

Ford should be a solid option for the Browns to rely on for at least the first few weeks to lead in carries. He averages a career 4.4 yards per carry with seven total touchdowns on the ground and five receiving scores.

At the very least you’re going to get serviceable production from Ford. He’s not the type of back to blow your socks off, but he can get yards when needed.

Sampson, on the other hand, was initially going to be the team’s third string back, but finds himself at number two.

Perhaps though, that’s a good thing for the Browns.

The former Tennessee Volunteer and 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year oddly dropped in the NFL Draft. He had himself a terrific breakout season in his junior year, leading the SEC in carries, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

You can never pinpoint how a mid-round rookie fares in his first taste of the big leagues, but Sampson definitely has potential to be one of Cleveland’s most valuable players.

Lastly that leaves us to Sanders; a bowling ball running back who runs with speed, violence, and anger.

Sanders was undrafted out of South Carolina and performed well for the Chargers in the preseason, rushing for 101 yards on 28 carries and found the endzone twice.

Despite the questions surrounding their prized running back, the Browns put themselves in a decent position in the backfield. 

But can they go a season without more nonsense? Stay tuned.