CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – We now know the setback Deshaun Watson suffered that Browns executive vice president of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry alluded to earlier this week at his end of season press conference.
Watson suffered a second rupture of his right Achilles, three months after undergoing surgery, putting his 2025 season in jeopardy.
The team released a statement Friday confirming the injury.
“[Thursday], Deshaun Watson underwent a second surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon rupture. Watson initially tore the tendon during the Browns' Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 20th. His first surgery was performed on October 25th. Earlier this week, when Watson reported to the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for his exit physical as part of the Browns' season-ending process, he complained of discomfort after rolling his ankle in Miami. MRI results demonstrated a re-rupture to his Achilles tendon. Dr. Bob Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist in Charlotte, NC, performed both surgeries. Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season.”
Watson, who signed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract after being acquired from the Texans for six draft picks in March 2022, has already missed 32 games due to injury or suspension through three seasons in Cleveland.
While compiling a 9-10 record for the Browns as a starter, Watson has completed 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. This past season, Watson was rated the worst starting quarterback in the NFL after failing to throw for 200 yards in six full games.