Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson heads to the sideline during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Deshaun Watson Injury Update : Browns’ Quarterback Suffers Setback in Injury Recovery

Deshaun Watson, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has encountered a setback in his recovery from a serious Achilles tendon injury, casting doubt on his availability for the 2025 season.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson heads to the sideline during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Deshaun Watson, who sustained a non-contact lower leg injury during Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season against the Cincinnati Bengals, expressed concerns during the Browns’ end-of-season meetings after Week 18.

The quarterback reportedly told the medical staff that “something doesn’t feel right.”

Uncertainty Surrounds Recovery Timeline

Browns general manager Andrew Berry addressed the situation on Monday, stating, “We don’t have all the details yet, but this will obviously extend his recovery timeline. It’s a new development, and I don’t have all the answers right now.”

AB gives an update on Deshaun Watson pic.twitter.com/2JcO5BGcqz
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 6, 2025

According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, the Browns are evaluating whether Deshaun Watson will require another surgical procedure. Berry emphasized that it is “too early” to determine if Watson will be ready to play in 2025.

A Disappointing Tenure in Cleveland

Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been marred by off-field controversies and on-field struggles. Acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Houston Texans following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, Watson has failed to meet expectations.

In 2024, he posted a dismal 1-6 record before his season-ending injury. Since joining the Browns in 2022, he holds a disappointing 9-10 record, far below the expectations tied to his massive contract and trade cost.

Looking Ahead to the Draft

The Browns concluded the 2024 NFL season with a league-worst 3-14 record, securing the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Speculation has already begun about whether the team will use the pick to select Deshaun Watson’s potential successor.

While Watson’s future remains uncertain, this development only adds to the growing questions surrounding his role with the Browns and the franchise’s plans moving forward.

Photo Credit : © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.