Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is unfortunately out for the rest of the 2024 season after tests confirmed he tore his Achilles during Sunday’s game against the Bengals, according to NFL Network.
Watson’s injury occurred in the second quarter after a non-contact play, where he dropped back to pass and suddenly fell to his knees. A slow-motion replay showed a ripple in his right calf, hinting at the seriousness of the injury. Watson, clearly upset, was carted off the field, and the Browns ruled him out after halftime.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson stepped in for Watson but later left the game with a finger injury, which luckily doesn’t seem too serious. Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston finished the game. As of now, it’s unclear who will take over as the Browns’ starter in Watson’s absence. The Browns, currently 1-6, have a tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
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Watson is in the third year of his five-year, $230 million contract, which he signed after being traded from the Houston Texans in 2022. He’s set to earn $92 million over the next two years. Despite his impressive early career, including three Pro Bowl appearances, Watson hasn’t had the impact Cleveland hoped for. The Browns gave up a lot to get him, sending three first-round draft picks and more to Houston.
Watson faced significant off-field challenges, including a suspension for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and a $5 million fine for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy. When he returned, his performance wasn’t quite the same, as he posted a career-low completion rate of 58.2%.
His 2023 season was also cut short due to injuries, requiring shoulder surgery. Unfortunately, his struggles continued into 2024, where he had only five touchdown passes in six games, and the Browns have yet to score 20 or more points in a single game this season.
With Watson out, Cleveland will need to regroup and find a way forward as they navigate the rest of the season.
