Cleveland’s push to close out the regular season just got a lot tougher.

Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a brutal leg injury in the Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The injury occurred during Cleveland’s 23-20 defeat, and the scene quickly shifted from game-focused to grim as Judkins was carted off the field.

After the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the worst.

Judkins sustained an ankle dislocation and fractured fibula, an injury that will require surgery and shuts him down for the final two weeks of his rookie campaign.

“Quinshon had an ankle dislocation, fractured his fibula,” Stefanski said. “Obviously very disappointed for the young man. He will bounce back. I have zero doubt about that with him… You never want to see that with any of your guys. So, he’ll get surgery. He’ll be back in no time, I know that.”

Judkins’ importance to the Browns’ offense in year one can’t be overstated.

The rookie carried the ball 230 times for 827 yards and seven touchdowns, leading Cleveland in rushing and giving them a physical, reliable presence in the backfield. Unless a teammate goes off in the final two games, he’ll finish as the team’s leading rusher.

Stefanski made it clear the organization believes this setback won’t define him.

“Q’s been incredible. Great teammate, runs hard, cares about this game, cares about the right things,” Stefanski added. “I’m disappointed for him. He’s disappointed, but he’s not somebody that I worry about. He’ll bounce back.”

His absence was immediately felt against Buffalo. In a tight, grind-it-out type of game, having Judkins available in the second half could have made a difference. Still, the Browns did find production in his wake.

Raheim “Rocket” Sanders took over the bulk of the carries, finishing with 11 rushes for 42 yards. Trayveon Williams chipped in with three carries for 17 yards and led the team in receiving with four catches for 38 yards. Stefanski praised both backs for being ready when called upon, emphasizing the staff’s trust in whoever steps on the field.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders added another dimension with his legs, rushing four times for 49 yards, while Malachi Corley contributed three carries for 30 yards on designed touches.

But there’s no sugarcoating it. Losing Judkins is a major blow.

For now, the Browns will lean on a committee and their mobile quarterback to survive the final stretch. Long term, the focus shifts to Judkins’ recovery, and the expectation inside the building is clear. This is just a pause, not the end, of what Cleveland hopes is a long, impactful career in brown and orange.