The Cleveland Browns suffered a major setback in Week 7 of the NFL season when star quarterback Deshaun Watson was sidelined during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Initially, the Browns‘ medical team confirmed concerns of a torn Achilles, which was later verified by NFL insider Ian Rapoport following an MRI on Monday. The diagnosis means Watson will miss the remainder of the season.
This loss compounds the Browns’ struggles in an already difficult campaign, as they now sit at 1-6 heading into Week 8. Without Watson, the Browns are forced to devise a backup plan to salvage their season.
Watson’s injury history
The confirmed Achilles tear adds to Watson’s recent history of injury troubles. In 2023, he missed most of the season due to a significant shoulder injury, only returning to practice in July following surgery. That recovery took several months, and Watson just made his return for the start of the 2024 season.
Going back further, in 2019, Watson missed time late in the season with a back injury, causing him to miss the Browns’ NFL regular season finale. In 2018, he also dealt with a chest injury, though it was considered less severe and did not keep him out of extended action.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski on Watson’s injury
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the media after the game, expressing his disappointment with how some fans reacted to Watson’s injury: “I don’t think it’s ever ok to cheer when someone’s injured. I’m sure it’s not every person in the building doing that, but that’s disappointing.”
What’s next for the Browns?
With Watson now out for the season and the Browns’ poor start, Stefanski and his coaching staff face the challenge of keeping their playoff hopes alive. The team will need to rally behind a new quarterback, make necessary adjustments, and improve their overall performance in the weeks ahead if they hope to turn their season around.
This is the Browns’ calendar:
- vs. Ravens – Week 8
- vs. Chargers – Week 9
- Break – Week 10
- vs. Saints – Week 11
- vs. Steelers – Week 12