Browns Make Plans for Quinshon Judkins Clear With RB Move Amid Suspension Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Dible | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 1:05 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns haven't said much about running back Quinshon Judkins of late.

The second-round rookie remains unsigned while awaiting the NFL's decision on a potential punishment with regards to his off-field legal issues this summer.

However, actions tend to speak more truthfully than words in professional sports, even if not at the same volume. The Browns took such an action on Tuesday, September 2, when they cut ties with reserve running back Pierre Strong Jr.

Strong played a small part in Cleveland's offense last season, amassing 212 total yards from scrimmage across 14 games played, contributing 192 snaps on offense and 184 on special teams. He gained 338 yards from scrimmage for the Browns the year before in 17 regular-season appearances, playing 169 offensive snaps and 280 with the special teams unit.

Strong, who turns 27 years old in December, was a quality performer during the 2025 preseason as well, amassing 114 yards on the ground at a clip of 6.3 yards per haul. He added five receptions for 26 yards through the air.

Considering Strong's familiarity with the Browns offense and what he's provided over the past couple of years, it made sense for Cleveland to keep him around as a backup behind starter Jerome Ford and alongside fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson. That the team chose not to do so is a reasonable indicator that it expects to get Judkins signed and into the huddle sooner than later.

Browns Have Waived Pierre Strong Jr. Twice This Summer

Cleveland waived Strong with an injury settlement on Tuesday after he sustained a concussion in the final preseason game of the year, which came against the Los Angeles Rams on August 23.

It was actually the second time the Browns and Strong parted ways this offseason, as the team released him following that injury as part of its push to achieve its first unofficial 53-man roster.

However, Strong landed on IR after none of the other 31 NFL teams claimed him via the waiver wire. By moving on from Strong via an injury settlement, the Browns cleared a path for the running back to get healthy and sign elsewhere.

Undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders out of South Carolina has since moved into Strong's RB4 spot on the Browns' depth chart.

Browns Face Obstacle in NFL's Likely Suspension of Quinshon Judkins

Judkins is going to sign with the Browns and play for the team eventually. However, it could be a month before he gets his first NFL carry.

Tony Grossi of 850 ESPN Cleveland said Wednesday there is "zero chance" in his eyes that Judkins is dressed and on the sidelines for the Browns in their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Is there any chance that Quinshon Judkins plays Sunday for the Browns? pic.twitter.com/lOqKzkhWkj
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 2, 2025

"I do think he's gonna be suspended, otherwise this case would have been done with by now," Grossi said. "But the NFLPA is trying to negotiate a reduced suspension. And I think the contract will fall in line once they know how many games he's out."

Grossi went on to predict a suspension for Judkins of between two and four games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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