Deshaun Watson’s time with the Cleveland Browns has been filled with challenges, but this latest development could be the most devastating.
During the Browns’ Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson had to leave the field on a cart, visibly shaken.
Reports suggest he may have suffered an Achilles injury that could end his season, according to Adam Schefter.
Achilles Injury Raises Serious Concerns
With just over a minute left in the second quarter, Watson went down after a non-contact play.
The sight of his calf muscle “popping” immediately raised concerns about a torn Achilles, a notoriously difficult injury to recover from.
If confirmed, Watson will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the season, facing a similar fate to Aaron Rodgers, who suffered the same injury during his debut with the New York Jets.
A Frustrating Season for Watson and the Browns
This injury comes at a difficult time for both Watson and the Browns, who are struggling with a disappointing 1-5 start to the season.
Watson, in his fourth year with the Browns, has faced heavy criticism from both fans and media.
He was even booed by his own supporters during his introduction before the game, a reaction that followed several lackluster performances, including a rough outing against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he completed only 16 of 23 passes without a touchdown.
Calls for Change Amid Poor Performances
Watson’s inconsistent play has led to calls for him to be benched, especially after an incident during Week 5 where he walked off the field during a crucial play against the Washington Commanders.
Despite the pressure, head coach Kevin Stefanski had remained committed to Watson as the starter.
But with Watson’s injury, Stefanski had no choice but to turn to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the team’s third-string quarterback, after Jameis Winston was listed as inactive.
Off-Field Issues Continue to Cloud Watson’s Career
Off the field, Watson’s career has been overshadowed by legal troubles.
He was traded to the Browns in 2022 for six draft picks, despite facing numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.
In 2021, over two dozen female massage therapists accused Watson of harassment and assault, leading to multiple lawsuits and an 11-game suspension in 2022.
Just last month, another woman filed a lawsuit against Watson, claiming he assaulted her four years ago. Watson has denied the allegations.
Controversy During Week 5’s Loss
Adding to the on-field drama, Watson’s behavior during Week 5 raised eyebrows when he walked off during a crucial play, leaving head coach Stefanski in disbelief.
Down by 21 points and facing 4th-and-goal, Stefanski had opted to keep the offense on the field, but Watson was nowhere to be seen.
The Browns ended up kicking a field goal, and Stefanski later explained the confusion as a “blunder” due to having too many players in the huddle.
What Lies Ahead?
As Watson awaits further medical evaluation, the Browns face an uncertain future.
With their star quarterback potentially out for the season, the pressure on the team continues to mount.
How they navigate the rest of the season, both on and off the field, remains to be seen.
More updates are expected in the coming days.
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