CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are facing a major setback as starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a serious injury. During the first half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, October 20, 2024, Watson ruptured his right Achilles tendon while attempting to run. He quickly collapsed to the ground and was visibly in pain, being carted off the field in tears.
The Browns have confirmed that an MRI on Monday revealed the extent of Watson’s injury, and he is scheduled for surgery this week. Team officials have stated that “a full recovery is expected,” but his absence will deal a hefty blow to a team that is already struggling, sitting at 1-6 after losing five straight games. It marks the second consecutive year that Watson has had his season cut short due to injury.
With Watson out, the Browns will need to turn to either Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Jameis Winston as the next starting quarterback. Thompson-Robinson himself sustained a finger injury during the game, leaving coach Kevin Stefanski unsure about his status for the upcoming matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The team also plans to sign another quarterback to fill the gap left by Watson.
Watson’s injury is a high-profile one, not just due to its impact on the Browns but also because of his rocky history with the team. Cleveland traded a significant amount to acquire him, hoping to find a franchise quarterback to lead the team to success. However, his performance since joining the Browns has not met expectations, and the team may now need to look for a quarterback in the upcoming draft.
Fans at the game had a mixed reaction to Watson’s injury, with some even cheering as he lay on the ground. This prompted strong condemnation from teammates like Myles Garrett and Jameis Winston, who expressed disappointment over the fans’ behavior. Garrett emphasized the importance of showing respect and support for players in distress, while Winston criticized the negativity directed at Watson.
The circumstances surrounding Watson—who had a controversial tenure with the Texans amid several allegations of misconduct—only added to the scrutiny he’s faced in Cleveland. After serving an 11-game suspension last season, he hoped to turn his career around. But with this recent injury, it appears that the Browns will continue to search for stability at the quarterback position, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what the future holds for both Watson and the team.
