The 2024 season has turned from bad to worse for the underperforming Cleveland Browns. During the 21-14 loss to the Bengals on Sunday, the Browns’ starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, suffered an Achilles injury and will be out for the remainder of the campaign.
Watson got hurt while trying to make a run in the final two minutes of the second quarter. He hyperextended his leg at one point and fell to the ground without any contact.
The Browns confirmed the nature of Watson’s injury on Monday, saying the veteran quarterback will undergo surgery at some point this week.
Watson has been struggling this season, connecting on 63.4% of his passes while throwing for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He played only six games in 2023 due to a shoulder injury.
“We feel bad for Deshaun,” Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “In this case, feel bad to lose him for the season. And we also know as a football team, this is where you have to step up. Guys have to step up, and that’s just how it goes.”
Stefanski has limited resources when it comes to replacing Watson. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Watson’s backup on Sunday, suffered a finger injury and might not be ready for next week. This leaves veteran Jameis Winston as the only healthy quarterback on the Browns, including the active roster and practice squad.
