Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s 2024 season has come to an abrupt end after suffering a torn right Achilles during Sunday’s game. This marks yet another setback in what has been a tumultuous tenure for Watson, who is in the third year of his fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Watson’s time with the Browns has been plagued by challenges, and the latest injury only adds to the string of disappointments.
If he returns to the team in 2025, it will be following extensive rehab from a major injury, raising further questions about his future in Cleveland.
Longtime Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot provided updates on Wednesday morning, shedding light on Watson’s upcoming surgery and recovery timeline.
According to Cabot, Watson will have his ruptured Achilles tendon repaired on Friday by Dr. Robert Anderson, the Green Bay Packers’ team physician. Cabot tweeted, “Should be about a 9-month recovery,” indicating that Watson faces a long and grueling rehabilitation process ahead.
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With Watson sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Browns quickly moved to address their quarterback situation. On Wednesday, the team named Jameis Winston as their new starting quarterback.
Winston steps into the role after Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was initially Watson’s backup, injured his finger during Sunday’s game and was eventually replaced by Winston. Winston, known for his experience and arm strength, now has the task of leading a Browns team struggling with a 1-6 record.
In a postgame interview, Winston expressed both gratitude and frustration over the situation. “I’m grateful that I had the chance to serve Deshaun,” Winston said, referencing his time backing up Watson. He also voiced his displeasure with the reaction from some fans who cheered Watson’s injury. “I am very upset with the reaction to the man that has had the world against him for the last four years. And he put his body and life on the line for this city every single day,” Winston said, defending Watson amidst the controversy.
In an effort to bolster their quarterback depth, the Browns made another move on Tuesday, signing former New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad.
Zappe, a young quarterback with starting experience from his time in New England, adds insurance for the Browns as they navigate the remainder of the season without Watson.
The Browns, now sitting at 1-6, face a daunting challenge as they prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. With Winston under center and Zappe in the fold, the team hopes to turn things around in what has been a difficult season both on and off the field.
As for Watson, the road to recovery will be a long one. The 9-month recovery timeline suggests he may not be fully ready for action until well into the 2025 offseason.
Whether Watson can return to form and live up to the expectations of his massive contract remains to be seen, but for now, his focus will be on rehabbing his Achilles and preparing for another chapter in his NFL career.
