Browns QB Deshaun Watson Suffers Non-Contact Achilles Injury Against Bengals, Coach Stefanski Says Situation “Doesn’t Look Good”
Deshaun Watson Suffers Potential Achilles Injury Against Bengals
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was carted off the field during Sunday’s 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with what appears to be a devastating right Achilles injury. Head coach Kevin Stefanski delivered somber news after the game, stating that the injury “doesn’t look good.” If confirmed, the Achilles tear could mark the end of Watson’s 2024 NFL season, a brutal blow for both the player and the franchise.
Watson’s injury occurred during a non-contact play late in the game. As he attempted to run the ball on the first play following the two-minute warning, Watson’s leg appeared to hyperextend awkwardly. The quarterback immediately fell to the ground, indicating the severity of the situation. Medical personnel quickly rushed to the field, and Watson, visibly emotional, was carted off shortly thereafter, with his teammates gathered around in concern.
The injury is especially disheartening given Watson’s long history with leg injuries throughout his college and professional career. The star quarterback, who was hoping to lead the Browns to a strong finish this season, now faces the possibility of missing significant time yet again, potentially stalling his attempt at a career revival in Cleveland.
Players React to Watson’s Injury, Fans Draw Criticism for Reaction
One of the more controversial aspects of Sunday’s game was the reaction from some Browns fans in the stadium. Multiple reports surfaced that fans cheered after Watson was injured, drawing ire from both teammates and coaches. Defensive end Myles Garrett voiced his disappointment, calling out the behavior as shameful.
“We don’t boo guys that are injured on the field, especially when the cart comes out,” Garrett said in his post-game interview. “We should be ashamed of ourselves as Browns and as fans to boo anyone and their downfall.”
Head coach Stefanski echoed Garrett’s sentiments, acknowledging that while it may not have been the entire stadium, the reaction from some fans was “disappointing.”
This incident comes at a time when tensions are high surrounding Watson, as his performance on the field this season has been under heavy scrutiny. Before his injury, Watson had been booed during pregame introductions by a portion of the crowd, although those boos were quickly drowned out by cheers for running back Nick Chubb, who was making his season debut after suffering a severe knee injury last year.
A Troubled Season for Deshaun Watson and the Browns
Watson’s 2024 season had already been marked by inconsistency and criticism. Prior to his injury, the quarterback had struggled mightily, posting the lowest QBR (Quarterback Rating) of all qualified passers in the league. In Sunday’s game against the Bengals, he was 15-of-17 passing for 128 yards before leaving with the Achilles injury.
Despite his struggles and the Browns’ poor 1-5 start to the season, Stefanski had remained steadfast in his belief that Watson was the team’s best option at quarterback. However, this injury could now derail any hope of Watson leading the Browns to a turnaround.
Watson’s potential Achilles tear is also the latest chapter in what has been a troubled tenure in Cleveland. The Browns traded three first-round picks to the Houston Texans to acquire Watson in 2022 and subsequently signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Since then, Watson has faced a series of setbacks, both on and off the field.
In his first season with the Browns, Watson served an 11-game suspension for violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage therapy sessions. The suspension cast a shadow over his return to the NFL and has remained a polarizing issue among fans and the media.
After returning to the field late in the 2022 season, Watson’s play was far from the level expected of a player with his contract and pedigree. He then suffered a right shoulder injury last year, which required surgery and caused him to miss the final eight games of the 2023 season.
Now, as Watson approaches the end of his third season with the Browns, he has only 19 total starts to show for the massive investment the team made in him. The Achilles injury could potentially limit Watson’s availability in 2025 as well, further complicating the Browns’ quarterback situation.
Browns’ Backup Quarterbacks Thrust into Spotlight
With Watson out, the Browns turned to their backup quarterback, second-year player Dorian Thompson-Robinson, to take the reins. Thompson-Robinson, who has shown flashes of potential but remains largely unproven, struggled in Watson’s absence. He completed just 11 of 24 passes for 82 yards and threw two interceptions, failing to generate any significant offensive momentum for the Browns.
Thompson-Robinson also suffered a finger injury in the fourth quarter, forcing the Browns to bring in veteran Jameis Winston. Winston, who was originally designated as the emergency third quarterback, completed 5 of 11 passes for 67 yards and threw a late touchdown pass to tight end David Njoku. However, the Browns’ comeback attempt fell short, and the team ultimately dropped to 1-5 on the season.
Following the game, Stefanski was non-committal about who would start at quarterback for the Browns in next Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. He acknowledged that the team would need to assess the extent of Thompson-Robinson’s injury before making a decision, but both he and Winston could be in the running for the starting role.
What’s Next for the Browns and Deshaun Watson?
If Watson’s Achilles injury is confirmed, the Browns will face difficult decisions moving forward. With the team already struggling this season, the loss of their starting quarterback could effectively signal the end of any realistic hopes of playoff contention.
From a contractual standpoint, Watson remains a major financial commitment for the Browns. His fully guaranteed contract ensures that the team is tied to him for the foreseeable future, with $46 million still owed to Watson in each of the next two seasons. His salary cap hit is set to skyrocket to $72.9 million in 2025, a figure that could seriously hinder the Browns’ ability to improve other areas of the team.
The Browns will now have to weigh their options at quarterback for the rest of the season and potentially beyond. If Thompson-Robinson is healthy, the Browns may choose to give him more starting opportunities to evaluate his long-term potential. Alternatively, the team could lean on Winston’s veteran experience, although he may not be seen as a long-term solution.
Watson, meanwhile, faces yet another long road to recovery. If the Achilles tear is confirmed, it will be the third major leg injury of his career, joining the ACL tears he suffered in both college and his rookie season with the Houston Texans. While Watson has proven resilient in the past, the cumulative effect of these injuries could make it even more challenging for him to return to his previous form.
For Browns fans, Watson’s injury represents another setback in what has already been a tumultuous season. The team’s struggles, coupled with fan frustration surrounding Watson’s off-field controversies, have created a tense atmosphere in Cleveland. With Watson likely out for the season and the team’s playoff hopes dwindling, the Browns now face an uncertain future both on and off the field.
Conclusion
Deshaun Watson’s potential Achilles injury is yet another painful chapter in a career marked by both brilliance and adversity. As the Browns wait for confirmation of the severity of the injury, the team and its fans must prepare for life without their star quarterback for the remainder of the season. With significant contractual obligations and questions about Watson’s long-term health, Cleveland’s path forward looks murky at best.