Deshaun Watson seems set to miss the rest of the 2024 season, marking a major setback for the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns quarterback sustained an Achilles injury during their Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury happened with just 1:22 remaining in the first half as Watson attempted to rush forward after a gap appeared in the offensive line.

As he made his move, Watson’s right leg gave way, causing him to fall down without any contact. He stayed on the ground in obvious discomfort.

Cleveland’s medical team quickly rushed to assist Watson. After several minutes, they placed the veteran QB on a cart and transported him to the locker room for further examination.

Watson appeared visibly upset as he departed the field, with a towel concealing his face, seemingly in tears.

Update on Deshaun Watson’s Injury

The Browns confirmed early in the third quarter that Watson was dealing with an Achilles injury. He was officially ruled out for the remainder of the game, and head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged afterward that the prognosis suggests Watson’s injury could end his season.

“We’ll wait for test results, but it seems likely,” Stefanski stated when asked if the injury would be season-ending.

Watson’s condition was not unexpected. Close-up footage of the incident indicated that the injury affected his right calf, which former NFL physician David J. Chao noted as a sign of a likely torn Achilles.

Who is filling in for Deshaun Watson on the Browns roster?

Dorian Thompson-Robinson stepped in to replace Watson in the game. The second-year quarterback had been the team’s third-string option behind veteran Jameis Winston, the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, for the first six weeks but was elevated for the game against the Bengals.

Despite being inactive for the game, Winston was designated as Cleveland’s emergency third quarterback in Week 7. Should Thompson-Robinson get injured and unable to continue, Winston can substitute in but will otherwise remain on the sidelines.

Deshaun Watson’s Performance Stats

Before his exit from the game, Watson had performed well, completing 15 of his 17 throws for 128 yards. Although he did not score points, he successfully moved the Browns into scoring positions twice, including the drive during which he suffered his injury.

Entering Week 6, Watson had achieved a completion rate of 61.3%, accumulating 1,020 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. His passer rating was 76.6, placing him 28th among 31 qualified quarterbacks in the NFL.

This article will be updated as more information is made available.