Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle during their 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. The injury occurred just before halftime on a swing pass from quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Judkins, the team's leading rusher, ends his first NFL season with significant production despite the setback.
The Cleveland Browns fell 23-20 to the Buffalo Bills in a close Week 16 matchup on Sunday, December 21, 2025, but the game will be remembered for a devastating injury to rookie running back Quinshon Judkins. Late in the first half, Judkins was tackling low by Bills linebacker Matt Milano while attempting to catch a swing pass in the backfield from quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He was immediately in visible pain, pounding the ground before being carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg. The broadcast team, led by Ian Eagle, described it as a serious injury and opted not to show the replay.
Post-game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed to reporters that Judkins had fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle, ending his rookie season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported sources indicating at least a broken leg, with further evaluation for a possible knee injury. Judkins had been Cleveland's standout rookie, entering the game with 805 rushing yards and seven touchdowns over 13 games, accounting for over 62 percent of the team's rushing yards and seven of nine rushing scores. In the game before exiting, he recorded eight carries for 22 yards and five receptions for 29 yards, bringing his season scrimmage total to 947 yards across 14 games.
With Judkins out, backups Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams stepped up effectively. Sanders rushed for 42 yards on 11 carries, while Williams added 17 yards on three carries and led receivers with four catches for 38 yards. Shedeur Sanders completed 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the loss. The Bills secured the victory with a strong performance from James Cook, who rushed for 117 yards and two scores, improving Buffalo to 11-4. Cleveland drops to 3-12, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers next week without their key rookie.