Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been diagnosed with a ruptured right Achilles tendon, marking the end of his season. This was confirmed following an MRI, which was announced by the team on Monday. After their recent loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that the injury appeared serious. Watson is scheduled to undergo surgery this week, although the specifics of the procedure remain unclear.
Stefanski expressed his disappointment over Watson’s injury, acknowledging the impact on the team and emphasizing the need for other players to step up in his absence. He has not yet named a starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens, pending further evaluation of Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s injured finger. The Browns plan to sign a quarterback this week, but it is still uncertain whether that player will be added to the active roster or the practice squad.
The injury occurred during a non-contact play when Watson attempted to run the ball, resulting in hyperextension of his leg. He immediately fell to the ground, and the emotional scene prompted a cart to transport him off the field, drawing the attention of the entire Browns sideline. After the game, some players expressed frustration towards fans who reportedly cheered after Watson’s injury, with defensive end Myles Garrett highlighting that it’s inappropriate to boo any player when they are hurt.
Watson’s performance this season has been disappointing, reflected in his low QBR among qualified passers. He completed 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards before the injury occurred. This injury further complicates Watson’s tenure with the Browns, as it is now his third disappointing season since being traded from the Houston Texans for a substantial price, including three first-round picks and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
At just 29 years old, Watson has a troubling history of leg injuries that dates back to his college days at Clemson, where he played through a torn ACL. In his NFL career, he has also suffered significant injuries, including a torn ACL in his right knee during his rookie year. This latest injury leaves Watson with only 19 starts in three years with the Browns, further complicating the franchise’s future, as they still owe him $46 million in the next two seasons and face a substantial salary cap hit of $72.9 million for 2025.
