CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s challenging time with the Cleveland Browns has taken another serious turn, as it appears his third season may be over.
The troubled quarterback sustained a right Achilles tendon injury during a non-contact play against the Cincinnati Bengals and was carted off the field on Sunday.
After Cleveland’s 21-14 loss, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that Watson’s injury seems significant and likely ends his season. While the team awaited further test results, it seems unlikely that Watson will return in 2024.
Watson, who has struggled to meet expectations during his time in Cleveland, was injured on a second-down play with 1:26 left in the first half. As he attempted to pass from the Cincinnati 21-yard line, his right leg buckled when he planted, causing him to fall.
In visible pain, Watson held his head as trainers rushed to assist him, with both Browns and Bengals players surrounding him in support. As he was taken off the field, Watson, who has polarized fans since joining the team, covered his head with a towel while some fans applauded.
However, there were also cheers from some fans when he collapsed, with calls for backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson to replace him.
Browns star Myles Garrett expressed disgust at the fans’ reaction, stating, “We should be ashamed of ourselves as Browns and as fans to boo anyone and their downfall. No one deserves that.”
Third-string quarterback Jameis Winston echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m very upset with the reaction to a man that has had the world against him for the past four years. He has put his body and life on the line for this city. I know the standards fans want, but the way I was raised, I would never pull on a man when he is down.”
Cleveland signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, but he was suspended for 11 games in his first year and missed most of his second season due to shoulder surgery.
This season has also been disappointing, leading to calls for Stefanski to bench him. He faced boos during pregame introductions.
Before his injury, Watson completed 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards and was sacked twice. Thompson-Robinson stepped in but injured his finger in the fourth quarter after taking over for Winston.
