Cleveland Browns: Quinshon Judkins Could Face Suspension That Delays His Rookie Debut Until October
Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins may be sidelined until at least October, following his arrest Saturday on misdemeanor battery charges.
Judkins was the 36th-overall pick in this year's draft, and the former Ohio State star was expected to share carries with Jerome Ford in Cleveland's backfield. However, Judkins' arrest will lead to a league investigation per the NFL's personal conduct policy, which could result in a suspension.
Suspensions are determined by the league on a case-by-case basis. Last year, Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was suspended for five games for a domestic violence incident.
A six-game suspension without pay is the standard for a first violation involving physical force, but that can be adjusted based on mitigating factors.
After being released from custody on Sunday, Judkins is scheduled to report to training camp on Friday with Cleveland's other rookies and quarterbacks. It's possible that Judkins will be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List during the investigation. Under those terms, Judkins would be permitted to practice during training camp and play in the preseason games. At the start of the regular season, Judkins could attend meetings and work out at the team facility but would not practice or play while the investigation is ongoing.
Regarding Judkins' arrest, the Browns said they are "aware and gathering more details," according to a team spokesperson, via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com.
Judkins rushed for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry, helping Ohio State win the national championship. Cleveland drafted another running back in Round 4, Dylan Sampson of LSU, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, who rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Sampson's role as a rookie could increase due to Judkins' situation.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Ramsey Could Play Some Safety
When Jalen Ramsey was put on the trading block by the Miami Dolphins, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin sensed a golden opportunity to acquire a player he had long coveted.
Tomlin's thinking played into Pittsburgh's recent trade that sent Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami in exchange for Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
Tomlin has admired Ramsey since 2016, when they had dinner during a Florida State Pro Day visit. Ramsey went fifth overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars that year, when Tomlin knew the Steelers had little chance of drafting the talented defensive back. However, Tomlin got to know Ramsey and filed away their meeting for future reference.
"People were giggling at Jalen Ramsey and I eating dinner," Tomlin said via Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We fully expected him to turn down our meal. He didn't. He came. He asked great questions. Look at how his career's turned out.
"When I see passion for the game and energy for the game and intellectual development and seeking the knowledge of some of that stuff, that's the things that makes freakish talent turn into freakish play."
The 30-year-old Ramsey has been a three-time All-Pro as a shutdown corner but could see significant snaps at safety for Pittsburgh. The Steelers' deep corner rotation also features Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay, but Ramsey has the versatility to play outside, in the slot, or at safety.
"He's long, he's fast, he's combative," Tomlin said. "His above-the-neck game and feel for the passing game is excellent. He's physical. People often forget that this guy was probably the best safety prospect in the draft, as well, when he came out, and that just speaks to his talent level and how immense it is."
Cincinnati Bengals: Training Camp Practices Will Switch From Afternoon to Morning
The Bengals have decided to switch their training camp practices to the morning this summer, after holding them in the afternoon during recent years.
When camp opens July 23, nine of their first 11 practices will run from 10 a.m. to noon rather than the previous schedule of mid-afternoon workouts that usually went from 2-4 p.m.
In another change, the Bengals won't hold joint practices with another team this year. Cincinnati is looking for different ways to avoid a slow start to the regular season. In six seasons under Head Coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals have gone 1-11 in the first two weeks of the season and 4-13-1 through three weeks. The only year in which they had a winning record through three weeks was 2021, when they went to the Super Bowl.
The Bengals will start the 2025 season on the road in Cleveland, then have their home debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After that, they have four straight games against 2024 playoff teams (Vikings, Broncos, Lions, Packers).
"I think it will be good just to change it up," Taylor said via Geoff Hobson of the team’s website. "A lot of guys have been through this routine before. As we get close to the season, we'll get more to the afternoon because that's where we'll play our games. At 1 o'clock in the heat.
"There's an element of that we want to prepare for as well. But I think it will be good to hit the grass early in the morning and get some good work done and then do all the above-the-neck stuff in the afternoon."
