Bengals’ Week 1 opponent gets an update on one of their earliest 2025 NFL Draft picks and it could impact his availability
An important update on a new rival player.
The Cincinnati Bengals are a little over three weeks out from facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL regular season. All the work being done in training camp is in preparation to prepare for a road trip to the shores of Lake Erie to erase the slow start narrative that’s been discussed ad nauseam for months.
The matchup is set, unlike the situation with Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins. Judkins, the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence and battery charge in Fort Lauderdale on July 12.
Per multiple reports, prosecutors on the case officially declined to move forward with the case Thursday afternoon, effectively opening the door for him to return to the team prior to the season starting.
Judkins’ case being dismissed due to a lack of video surveillance and the delayed timing of the reporting. Per the arrest report, there was a five-day delay between the alleged occurrence and when it was reported on July 12.
The timing of the arrest kept Judkins away from the Browns for the start of training camp, and with charges possible at the time, Cleveland halted contract negotiations. Every other pick from the 2025 draft class has since signed their rookie contracts, including Cincinnati’s Shemar Stewart, leaving Judkins the lone unsigned player.
Judkins cannot practice with the Browns without a contract, but when that happens, he’ll be able to return. This makes it possible for him to potentially play in the season-opener against the Bengals, but the NFL could get in the way of that.
The league, per reports, is still reviewing its own investigation of Judkins’ arrest and can lay down its own punishment. Even if he signs his deal, Week 1 could be off the table if the NFL comes to a decision by then.
It all depends on when the league’s investigation concludes, and if Judkins will be suspended as a result. If he’s all clear, then facing the Bengals for his first-career game is entirely possible.
Ohio State Buckeyes News
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Jimmy Haslam was finally asked about former Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins and his future with Cleveland.
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