Judkins Held to 49 Yards in Browns Loss
Cleveland's running back managed little production as the Browns trailed Pittsburgh for the entire Week 8 game.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Football
Quinshon Judkins rushed 11 times for 25 yards and caught two passes for 24 yards as the Browns lost to the Steelers in Week 8. The Browns trailed the entire game and their offense struggled against Pittsburgh's defense.
Why it matters
Judkins' limited output came as the Browns' offense struggled to move the ball and its offensive line was overpowered. The result leaves Cleveland's running game under scrutiny as the team looks to rebound.
Judkins posted 49 total yards from scrimmage on 11 carries and two catches, and he was unable to convert either of his two carries from inside the five-yard line. He played 11 fewer snaps than Dylan Sampson, a gap the Browns' trailing score helps explain.
The players
Quinshon Judkins
Quinshon Judkins is a Cleveland Browns running back whose carries and receptions drove his offensive output in this game.
Dylan Sampson
Dylan Sampson is a Cleveland Browns running back who received more snaps than Judkins in the Week 8 loss to Pittsburgh.
The details
Judkins had two carries from inside the five-yard line, including a one-yard attempt with 22 seconds left, and he converted neither. The Browns' offense gained little against Pittsburgh's defense as the offensive line was pushed around for much of the afternoon.
Timeline
Week 8: Browns lose to the Steelers; Judkins finishes with 49 total yards.
Next week: Browns play the Saints, and the team is expected to have an easier time moving the ball.
Season Trajectory
The loss in Week 8 added to Cleveland's difficulties in establishing a running game against Pittsburgh's defensive front. The upcoming game against New Orleans offers the Browns an opportunity to show whether their offense can rebound against a weaker opponent.
Judkins' limited snap count and touches reduce his fantasy value for Browns managers in the short term. Fans and fantasy players should watch whether Cleveland's running back workload shifts against New Orleans.
The takeaway
Judkins' modest output shows how a trailing game can limit a running back's workload and production. Track Cleveland's rotation next week to see whether the snap split changes.
What happens next
The Browns play the Saints next week, when the team is expected to have an easier time moving the ball.
Further reading
Explore more Cleveland Browns football coverage for context on the team's season.
