The excitement around rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ first start for the Cleveland Browns suddenly dropped after a scary moment in Week 12. In the third quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders, rookie running back Quinshon Judkins left the field after a hard hit. Many fans worried he might have a concussion because of the NFL’s strict safety rules.
This injury stopped the Browns’ momentum and added stress to Sanders’ big debut. Fans in Cleveland and across the country are waiting to hear the final Browns running back injury report.
The Incident: Head Impact and NFL Concussion Protocol
The scary moment happened halfway through the third quarter. After a tough run up the middle, Judkins was tackled, and his head hit the ground very hard. Because the hit looked serious, the NFL concussion protocol was started right away.
Judkins tried to stay in the game, but an official stopped him. Medical staff and an independent concussion doctor took him to the medical tent for tests. His status was listed as “questionable to return.” Following these rules is important because head injuries can be dangerous.
Judkins’ Crucial Early Game Performance
Before the injury, Judkins was one of the best players on the field for the Browns. He helped the team take an early lead by scoring two rushing touchdowns in the first half. Both touchdowns came from a special wildcat play in the red zone. This showed that the coaches trusted him in short-yardage plays.
Judkins had become the team’s main running back earlier this season. When he left the game, the Browns had to rely on backups Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford.
Implications for Shedeur Sanders’ Debut
Judkins’ injury made Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start much harder. Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick, showed some good plays, including a beautiful 53-yard pass that helped set up one of Judkins’ touchdowns. But losing a top running back changed the play-calling and made things tougher in important moments.
A rookie quarterback usually needs a strong running game to take off some pressure. Without Judkins, Sanders had to do more than expected, which affected the offense’s rhythm. Even though the team later scored on a big play by Dylan Sampson, losing a key player is always difficult during a young quarterback’s debut.
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The Browns Backfield: Depth and Future Concerns
The main worry for the Browns is how serious the possible concussion is. Head injuries can keep a player out for a long time because they must pass every step of the NFL’s return-to-play protocol.
Dylan Sampson played well after Judkins left and even scored on a 66-yard touchdown catch from Sanders. But Judkins’ special talent in the red zone is hard to replace. The next few days will be important as the coaches decide what to do if Judkins cannot play in Week 12 and maybe longer.
Current Status and Expected Updates
Right now, Quinshon Judkins is still being checked for a possible concussion. Even though he wanted to go back into the game, the medical team followed the concussion rules and kept him out. There is no final diagnosis yet. More information will be shared once the Browns complete all tests.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning an in-game injury and medical protocol evaluation. Readers should cross-check updates from official team announcements and authorized news outlets for the definitive status of Quinshon Judkins.