Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson tore his right Achilles tendon for the second time in three months and underwent surgery for the second time.
Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon for the first time on October 20. He was reported to have suffered a setback in his recovery from his first operation, but the full extent of the damage is now clear.
The Browns said in a statement that he sprained his ankle in Miami and that his recovery time is unclear, other than confirming that he will miss “significant time” in the 2025 season.
The Browns have the second pick in 2025 and are now almost certain to select a quarterback.
Watson has played 19 times for the Browns since joining them in 2022 on a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
In 2023, his season came to an early end when he needed shoulder surgery in November — his right throwing shoulder.
Deshaun Watson has torn his right Achilles tendon for the second time in just three months
It's another dramatic turn in what has so far been a nightmare for Watson on the Browns.
General manager Andrew Berry said the Browns only learned of Watson's new medical situation during player exit meetings on Sunday, when he raised it with team doctors.
Watson, who went 1-6 this season in the seven games he played, has been splitting time in Ohio and Florida during his recovery. Watson has not spoken to the media since he was injured.
He was among the lowest-rated quarterbacks in the NFL at the time and his injury led the Browns to start three more quarterbacks after playing five in 2023.
The Browns began what will be another busy offseason on Sunday by firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson.
Berry said he expects defensive star Myles Garrett to stay with the Browns and retire with the team.
Garrett, who finished with 14 sacks, recently told ownership that he didn't want to waste any more seasons rebuilding.
“I don't envision an offseason where we leave a bunch of core players behind,” Berry said.
But Berry and the Browns organization couldn't have imagined this either.