Who Should I Start? Quinshon Judkins or Omarion Hampton

Tuesday, December 23, 4:08 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair his fractured fibula and dislocated ankle, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Judkins suffered the injuries in Week 16 and has now been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2025 season. Across 14 games, the 22-year-old recorded 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries. Judkins also hauled in 26 receptions for 171 yards on 36 targets. While Judkins' rookie season is done, he looks like the feature back of the future in Cleveland, provided he can make a full recovery from this most recent setback. With Judkins sidelined, the Browns will likely turn to the running back combination of Dylan Sampson (hand), Raheim Sanders, and Trayveon Williams. Sampson has missed each of the last two weeks with calf and hand injuries, but he could be the team's lead back if he can return in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Friday, December 26, 9:43 AM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton continues to separate himself as the most dynamic option in the backfield, recording an 85-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry, Hampton was far more explosive than teammate Kimani Vidal, who is now dealing with a neck injury. Even if Vidal is active, the Chargers are likely to lean on Hampton against a Houston Texans defense that is more vulnerable on the ground than through the air. Houston ranks fifth in fewest rushing yards allowed, but has shown cracks against physical, efficient runners recently. With the Chargers needing to protect Justin Herbert from Houston's fierce pass rush, a heavy dose of Hampton is expected. He is a high-end RB2/FLEX option for championship week.