In a devastating turn of events for the Cleveland Browns, star quarterback Deshaun Watson has been diagnosed with a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury occurred during the team’s 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, casting a pall over the Browns’ hopes for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Watson’s Emotional Exit
The incident took place just after the two-minute warning, as Watson attempted to carry the ball on a non-contact play. Witnesses report that his leg appeared to hyperextend, causing him to immediately surrender himself to the ground. As the severity of the injury became apparent, an emotional Watson was carried off the field on a cart, with the entire Browns sideline gathering to show their support.
According to a source close to the team, an MRI has confirmed that Watson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right leg. This marks the latest in a series of setbacks for the 29-year-old quarterback, who has battled numerous injuries throughout his college and professional career.
A History of Adversity
Watson’s injury woes date back to his time at Clemson University, where he played through a torn ACL in his left knee. As a member of the Houston Texans, he suffered another torn ACL, this time in his right knee, which sidelined him for the final nine games of his rookie season in 2017.
The Browns acquired Watson in a blockbuster trade before the 2022 season, signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. However, his tenure in Cleveland has been marred by controversy and injury. In 2022, Watson served an 11-game suspension after facing accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct from over two dozen women during massage sessions.
Last season, Watson’s campaign was cut short after he suffered a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his right shoulder, requiring season-ending surgery. This latest Achilles injury brings an abrupt and disappointing end to yet another season for the embattled quarterback.
Fans’ Reaction Sparks Controversy
In the wake of Watson’s injury, several Browns players expressed frustration with fans who appeared to cheer as the quarterback was carted off the field. Watson, who has faced criticism and boos from fans due to his off-field issues, was met with a mix of cheers and jeers during pregame introductions.
“We don’t boo guys that are injured on the field, especially when the cart comes out,” defensive end Myles Garrett said after the game. “We should be ashamed of ourselves as Browns and as fans to boo anyone and their downfall.”
– Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns Defensive End
Head coach Kevin Stefanski echoed Garrett’s sentiments, stating, “I don’t think it’s ever OK to cheer when someone’s injured. I’m sure it’s not every person in the building doing that, but that’s disappointing.”
Uncertainty at Quarterback
With Watson sidelined, the Browns turned to second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who struggled in relief. Thompson-Robinson completed 11 of 24 passes for 82 yards and two interceptions before suffering a finger injury in the fourth quarter.
Veteran Jameis Winston, who was inactive as the emergency third quarterback, replaced Thompson-Robinson and went 5-of-11 for 67 yards and a touchdown to tight end David Njoku. Coach Stefanski did not commit to a starting quarterback for next week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, stating that he wanted to assess the extent of Thompson-Robinson’s injury first.
A Disappointing Chapter
Watson’s injury marks another disappointing chapter in his tenure with the Browns. Since joining the team in 2022, he has made just 19 starts over three seasons, largely due to suspension and injuries. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons, with a salary cap hit of $72.9 million for 2025.
As the Browns look to regroup and salvage their season, they must confront the harsh reality of life without their starting quarterback. With a challenging schedule ahead and uncertainty at the helm of the offense, the team faces an uphill battle to remain competitive in the cutthroat world of the NFL.
For Deshaun Watson, this latest setback raises questions about his future and his ability to overcome the adversity that has plagued his career. As he begins the long road to recovery, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can bounce back from this devastating blow and reclaim his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
