Browns Activate Rookie RB Judkins Before Game Against Ravens

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have activated rookie running back Quinshon Judkins ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Judkins, drafted 36th overall this year, practiced with the team for the first time on Thursday and Friday since mandatory minicamp in June. He was absent from training camp due to an off-season incident where he faced a misdemeanor domestic violence and battery charge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 12. However, prosecutors opted not to pursue the charge on August 14.

Despite his legal issues, Judkins was signed to a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $11.4 million last Saturday. He did not play in the opening game, a 17-16 loss to the Bengals, but has rejoined the team this week.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has stated that Judkins has followed team protocols leading up to the game, noting that the team will evaluate his status over the next 24 hours. The absence of a decision from the NFL regarding disciplinary action means that Judkins is eligible to play on Sunday.

Judkins’ addition could enhance a struggling running game; the Browns managed only 49 rushing yards with an average of 2 yards per carry in their season opener. To make roster space for Judkins, the Browns waived wide receiver Gage Larvadain.

The league is still investigating Judkins’ offseason conduct as they assess whether he has violated their personal conduct policy.