Quinshon Judkins ($5,500) hurt his ankle in this past Sunday’s loss to the Jets and the running back was spotted in a walking boot following the defeat. Head coach Todd Monken deemed Judkins “day-to-day” on Monday, but him being out this Sunday vs. the Ravens is still a possibility, especially with the news that the RB won’t practice on Wednesday.
If Judkins sits this weekend, the Browns will be shorthanded in their backfield, with Dylan Sampson (knee) and Raheim Sanders (hip) both currently on injured reserve — though the former’s 21-day practice window has been opened. Cleveland signed Audric Estime to its active roster Tuesday, giving the team another option alongside Jaleel McLaughlin ($4,900). McLaughlin could see an expanded role if Judkins is inactive, but how appealing would he be for fantasy with Estime also in the mix?
Jaleel McLaughlin Week 6 Fantasy Outlook
With Judkins handling a featured role, McLaughlin has seen little work this season, rushing the ball just twice on 27 snaps, but he has turned those two carries into 31 yards and a touchdown. McLaughlin has maintained great efficiency when we look at a larger sample, too.
Over the last two seasons, the 26-year-old is averaging 5.6 YPC on 39 attempts and he owns a 55.9% rushing success rate, both of which rank top-10 among the backs who have seen 20+ carries.
The veteran hasn’t been much of a factor in the passing game, catching just 4-of-6 targets for 27 yards, but McLaughlin has commanded a target on 22% of his routes, which is encouraging. As the Browns’ lead back sans Judkins, McLaughlin would likely be thrust into a workhorse role of 15-20 touches, giving him a great chance to produce. Over the last two seasons, McLaughlin is generating 0.36 FPTS per snap and 0.85 FPTS per touch. For perspective, Jonathan Taylor, who is the No.9 scoring RB this season, is averaging 0.37 and 0.87 FPTS per touch.
McLaughlin’s matchup vs. the Ravens this Sunday is difficult, with opponents seeing the seventh-lowest rushing success rate in the NFL when facing Baltimore. That being said, McLaughlin’s role would be so immense, he would be a strong option regardless of this matchup.
So, keep a close eye on Judkins’ status at practice as the week goes on, because if he continues to sit these sessions out, that will be a strong indicator that he won’t be available Sunday, and McLaughlin will be a worthwhile waiver add for teams that are weak at running back. On Yahoo, McLaughlin is only rostered in 1% of leagues. Also, McLaughlin would be a compelling DFS value play if Judkins sits, with McLaughlin priced at an affordable $4,900 on DraftKings.
