Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is facing potential backlash after posting a TikTok video that may have jeopardized his recovery from a major injury.
The video, shared just days before it was revealed that Watson tore his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months, has raised some eyebrows.
A TikTok Dance Before the Second Injury
On December 26, Watson posted a TikTok video where he can be seen dancing with his girlfriend, Jilly Anais, on the side of a road.
What’s concerning is that Watson, who had undergone surgery on October 25 for a torn Achilles, doesn’t appear to be wearing the protective boot that is typically worn during the recovery process.
The 29-year-old quarterback had previously torn his Achilles and required surgery, but just months later, he has now suffered a re-injury, requiring another surgery.
While it’s unclear exactly when the video was filmed, the date of the upload—less than 10 weeks after the initial surgery—has led to speculation that Watson may not have been taking his recovery as seriously as expected.
The Browns’ Reaction and Unclear Recovery Timeline
The Cleveland Browns have not gone into detail about how Watson re-injured his Achilles, only stating that he “rolled his ankle” while in Miami.
After Achilles surgery, it’s standard for patients to wear a protective boot for around 10 weeks.
Given that Watson’s video was uploaded so soon after his surgery, some are questioning whether he was fully recovered or prematurely putting weight on the injured tendon.
During the 15-second clip, Watson does not appear to be moving freely, which suggests he was still feeling the effects of the surgery.
Despite the concerns, Watson captioned the video “Vibes with bae!!” and shared a lighthearted moment with his girlfriend, but it was clear that his injury was still a factor in his movement.
Browns Official Announcement and Watson’s Future
The Browns learned of Watson’s second Achilles tear during player exit meetings on Sunday, when Watson disclosed the news to team doctors.
In their statement, the team confirmed that Watson’s recovery timeline is uncertain, but it is clear he will miss significant time during the 2025 season.
An MRI showed that his Achilles tendon had ruptured again, and both surgeries were performed by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Bob Anderson in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Watson’s future with the Browns is now uncertain.
Since joining the team in 2022 on a controversial five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, Watson has only played 19 games.
The team is now almost guaranteed to use their second overall pick in the 2025 draft to select a new quarterback, which could make it difficult for Watson to reclaim his starting position, especially considering his form before the injury.
Changes and Uncertainty for the Browns’ Offseason
The Browns are entering another busy offseason, with the team making significant changes to their coaching staff.
On Sunday, the team fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson.
However, there is some positive news as well: Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed confidence that defensive star Myles Garrett would remain with the team and eventually retire as a Brown. Garrett, who finished the season with 14 sacks, has made it clear he doesn’t want to waste any more seasons in a rebuilding phase.
Berry emphasized that he expects the team to retain many of its core players, suggesting that the Browns are focused on building a strong foundation for the future despite the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s recovery.
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