The Cleveland Browns received some good news Monday, as running back Quinshon Judkins and linebacker Carson Schwesinger were each able to return to the practice field.
In addition to Judkins and Schwesinger, Maliek Collins was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on Monday. After a turbulent training camp and preseason involving the quarterback situation, and controversial comments made about the fans by starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, the news was a breath of fresh air.
Browns Getting key Personnel Back in the mix
Judkins was sidelined due to a nagging “undisclosed” injury, according to head coach Todd Monken, while missing joint practices with the Buffalo Bills last week. He missed Saturday’s preseason game with the Bills as a result. It’s smart for the Browns to take it easy with Judkins, as he is making his way back from a major injury.
In late December, Judkins suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills, and those injuries required surgery. Despite the shortened season, Judkins ended up leading the team with 827 rushing yards on 230 carries as a rookie. He ended up finding the end zone seven times, too.
As far as Schwesinger is concerned, he also had been sidelined due to an undisclosed ailment. While he was not a full participant in Monday’s session, he did work on the side for the first time since training camp started. So, that’s a positive sign for the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Schwesinger was a huge addition to the Cleveland defense, as Browns management actually got something right. The 23-year-old out of UCLA racked up 156 total stops, including 67 of the solo variety, while adding 2.5 sacks and two interceptions with three passes defensed. If the Browns are going to have any measure of success on defense, it needs Schwesinger patrolling the middle of the field. There is apparently no concern he won’t be ready for Week 1 in Jacksonville.
Maliek Collins Back Just in the Nick of Time
Collins had been nursing a quadriceps injury, passed a physical after being sidelined for training camp. He had been sidelined since suffering the original injury back in December. Collins still has several weeks to get back into playing shape, and he can return to practice whenever the team sees fit.
In his first season with the Browns in 2025, he played 12 games, totaling 25 tackles, including 15 of the solo variety, while recording a career-high 6.5 sacks. He also had a fumble recovery.
