CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Browns face another challenging chapter as star quarterback Deshaun Watson has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. This unfortunate injury, which occurred during the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, marks the second consecutive year Watson will not complete his season due to injury, raising serious concerns about the franchise's future at the quarterback position.
Watson, 29, suffered the injury to his right Achilles when he attempted to make a run play, crumpling onto the field and appearing visibly distraught as medical staff attended to him. The Browns quickly carted him off, and tests confirmed the worst fears, solidifying Watson's unscheduled absence from the field for the rest of the year.
“An MRI confirmed Deshaun Watson sustained a ruptured right Achilles tendon,” the Browns confirmed in their official statement on Monday. “The injury will require surgical repair, and Deshaun will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. A full recovery is expected.”
This injury is particularly damaging for Watson, who had been struggling to regain his form after undergoing surgery last year to repair fracture injuries to his right shoulder. Since joining the Browns, culminating from a controversial trade and hefty contract, he has only started 19 games. His performance has often fallen short of expectations, culminating in significant scrutiny and frustration from fans and the management.
Coach Kevin Stefanski, reflecting on Watson’s injury, expressed sympathy for his quarterback. “We feel bad for Deshaun,” he noted during the Monday press briefing. “It’s frustrating to lose him for the season, but our team needs to step up.” His statement conveys the reality facing the Browns, who have now lost five straight games and sit at the bottom of their division.
With Watson sidelined, the immediate question is who will step up to take the reins as starting quarterback. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who filled in after Watson’s exit, also sustained injury on the field. This situation leaves veteran quarterback Jameis Winston as the likely candidate for the starting role, but not before the team determines Thompson-Robinson's condition. “We are still waiting for more tests to understand Dorian’s finger injury,” said Stefanski.
Alongside concerns about who will play, there’s also rising anxiety about the Browns' investment. Watson is under contract for two more seasons with annual cap hits approaching $46 million, below the surface of the burgeoning discussions is speculation about whether the Browns should draft or trade for another quarterback, especially seeing as their position hasn't improved since securing Watson.
This situation unveils the greater narrative surrounding Watson's tumultuous tenure with the Browns, marked by injuries and controversies. When they traded for him, they surrendered multiple first-round picks, banking on the hope he could lead them back to playoff contention.
Yet, with allegations of misconduct casting shadows over him and the franchise’s decision to sign him to the richest guaranteed contract of $230 million, the Browns' commitment now looks fraught with complications. Watson’s arrival amid accusations of sexual assault—which he has denied—added layers of unrest among the fan base, reflected during games where boos rung out during his pre-game introduction.
Indeed, the reaction from Cleveland’s fans turned ugly during the Bengals game when some audibly cheered upon Watson being injured—an act met with condemnation from his teammates. Star defensive player Myles Garrett was particularly vocal about this behavior. “We should be ashamed of ourselves as Browns fans to boo anyone during their downfall,” Garrett commented post-game. Jameis Winston also expressed disappointment at the behavior, calling it unacceptable to celebrate another player's misfortune.
The current challenges are not limited to Watson or his immediate replacements. The team enters deep reflection about their path forward. With the next NFL Draft looming, many analysts are predicting the Browns could seek to regain ground and acquire young candidates who promise potential. ESPN draft analysts suggest names like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders could fit the Browns’ need for fresh talent under center.
Watson's upcoming surgery, planned for this week, will greatly impact his recovery, which typically spans six to nine months for Achilles repair. The hope is for Watson to heal fully enough to return for training camp next season, yet for the Browns, it’s not merely about recovery but also about re-evaluations. Will they stick with Watson as their long-term starter, or should their investment steer them toward other options?
This incident underlines what many fans have long recognized: Cleveland’s quest for stability at the quarterback position has been riddled with misfires. The organization's calculus now rests on whether Watson's past performances—mired by allegations, suspensions, and injuries—are worth the long-term commitment they’ve made. The coming months will undoubtedly shape the narrative around Watson and the Browns, leaving fans pondering what the future holds for both.
