Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is confident in his team’s running game.
The Browns selected Quinshon Judkins in the second round to compete for the starting running back job. However, Judkins is still unsigned for a couple of reasons, leaving Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson to handle the bulk of the carries for the Browns in Week 1.
Although there are some question marks surrounding the Browns’ offense, Stefanski is confident in the running game due to the coaches and system in place.
“Yeah, our guys have worked very hard. Going back to when we added Coach (Mike) Bloomgren with Tommy Rees really making sure that we have a sound run game,” Stefanski said. “You know, when you talk about the run game, it’s easy to say the running backs and the offensive line. But it does take everybody. We need wide receivers that can block.
“You need quarterbacks to get you in and out of the right plays,” Stefanski added. “So, I think the guys have put in a ton of work into the run game. And, I know that those guys are excited about some of the things we’re doing, but you have to go do it in the games as well.”
With Judkins still not signed, it is looking like Ford will be the starting running back for the Browns. Ford is entering his fourth season in the NFL, all with the Browns. Sampson, meanwhile, was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cleveland opens its season on Sept. 7 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Insider: Judkins Could be Suspended
Cleveland selected Judkins 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to be a key part of the offense.
However, Judkins is unsigned as he’s been holding out for a fully guaranteed contract, as well as some legal issues. He was accused of domestic assault and battery, but all charges have been dropped.
Despite the charges being dropped, the NFL is investigating the matter, and insider Tony Grossi expects Judkins to be suspended by the NFL.
“I think there is a zero percent chance. I do think he’s going to be suspended otherwise this case would have been done by now,” Grossi said on ESPN Cleveland. “But, the NFLPA is trying to negotiate a reduced suspension. I think the contract will fall in line once they now how many games he’s out.”
Grossi expects Judkins to be handed a 2-4 game suspension.
Ford Ready to Help Browns’ Running Game
With Judkins still not signed and a suspension possibly looming, Ford will be the team’s starting running back in Week 1.
Ford says he just wants to go out there and help the offense anyway possible.
“I really don’t need (the starting job) for motivation,” Ford said. “I’m ready to go at the gate, treat every day and everything like my number’s going to be called and I’m just ready.”
Stefanski, meanwhile, has the utmost confidence in Ford heading into Week 1.
“He’s a player who makes big plays. He has the speed to go the distance on any given time he touches the rock,” Stefanski said. “He has kick returned for us when he hadn’t done it in the past and worked hard at that and developed into a good returner. So, he’s a guy that we can trust in the run game, trust in the pass game. And, has that elite trait of speed.”
Ford rushed for 565 yards and 3 touchdowns on 104 carries last season.
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