Quinshon Judkins Injury: RB Receives Positive Fantasy Update After Missing Practice
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The Cleveland Browns are entering a new era after moving on from franchise cornerstone Myles Garrett via trade, leaning heavily on the contributions of their young stars. Offensively, players like Shedeur Sanders, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. shined during promising rookie campaigns in 2025, looking to lead the team to a successful 2026 NFL season.
Judkins emerged as a reliable fantasy football contributor in year one, carving out the lead role in Cleveland’s backfield. Entering a highly anticipated 2026 season, though, Judkins has dealt with an injury that has cost him time on the field during training camp and preseason.
Browns first-year head coach Todd Monken has kept the details of Judkins’ injury close to the vest, but offered a promising update on the star running back as the regular season grows near. Monken informed reporters that Judkins’ absence from practice during this week is precautionary, and doesn’t expect the back to miss the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Monken: Quinshon Judkins held out of practice Thursday due to "nagging injury," via @ScottPetrak.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 20, 2026
Judkins is poised to offer notable fantasy value for the upcoming season, and his latest injury update doesn’t project to hamper such expectations coming into the season. Managers looking to add Judkins should keep tabs on his absence, though he’s widely expected to take a massive leap in year two.
Let’s take a pulse on his fantasy football outlook for the upcoming season following the latest news on Judkins:
Quinshon Judkins Presents RB1 Upside At RB2 Cost In 2026 Fantasy Football Drafts
Judkins is entering fantasy draft season with an ADP outside the top three rounds in most drafts. He’s ranked at 46.4 in real-time ADP projections, sitting at RB21 in PPR format. Despite missing time, Judkins closed his rookie season ranked as RB26, carving out 12.1 points per week in PPR.
In his rookie season, he managed 14 starts, racking up 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns over 230 carries. Judkins also flashed pass-catching versatility with 26 catches for 171 receiving yards over 36 touches.
I’m a firm believer that Judkins will outperform his ADP coming into the season, presenting top-12 upside at the position behind a reworked offensive line. If he can improve on his efficiency, averaging 3.6 YPC in 2025, he’ll be in line to notch the first 1,000-yard rushing campaign of his career considering his volume.
Browns first drive of preseason:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 15, 2026
Quinshon Judkins run
Quinshon Judkins run
Quinshon Judkins run pic.twitter.com/cDpj9tjBRZ
Judkins is cemented as Cleveland’s RB1 entering 2026, and presents a safe fantasy floor with encouraging potential in his second season. Don’t be surprised if the Browns’ star back breaks out in a big way in 2026.
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Ethen Hutton is a MLB, WNBA, College, and Fantasy contributor at On SI. Previously, he's covered the NBA, WNBA and NFL for Sportskeeda. Hutton is also a passionate fantasy football player and an immense music lover.