Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Carted Off Field With Leg Injury, Likely Out For Season

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson left the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on a cart Sunday. He suffered an Achilles injury that the team fears is season-ending.

"Let's get the tests first, but that's what it looks like," coach Kevin Stefanski said after the 21-14 loss.

The injury occurred in the second quarter of a game the Browns were trailing, 7-0.

And it was predictably ugly.

Watson Right Leg Gives Out

The injury happened to Watson's right leg. He was not contacted when he collapsed to the field.

Teammates and Bengals players gathered around Watson and prayed for him as a cart to take him off the field was summoned.

As he was being carted off the field, Watson was clearly upset. He could be seen wiping tears from his face with a towel, which he also used to cover his face.

The Browns did not immediately provide a report on Watson's injury but eventually reported Watson is out for the remainder of the game.

OutKick medical contributor Dr. David Chao said on X the injury was clearly an Achilles injury by video.

Dr. Chao: Watson Done For Season

Dr. Chao noted Watson's leg displayed the telltale calf reverberation that happens in Achilles ruptures.

That would obviously mean Watson's season is over. He would require surgery to repair the injury.

Assuming this is confirmed by tests, it will mark the third consecutive season that Watson is with the Browns that he cannot play the entire season.

His first season in 2022, he played six games after he was suspended 11 games earlier in the year.

Last year he played six games because he suffered a throwing shoulder injury.

And this year Watson completed six games before leaving the seventh game of the season with this leg injury.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 20: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns is hit by Joseph Ossai #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second quarter of a game at Huntington Bank Field on October 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Browns Eventually Confirm It's An Achilles

The club, by the way, had confirmed the injury is an Achilles in the second half. 

This injury is serious and will likely decide the direction of the Browns the remainder of the season.

But the truth is the Browns had a 1-5 record with Watson as the starter, so while things might get worse, they were already quite bad.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 20: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after being hit by Joseph Ossai #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second quarter of a game at Huntington Bank Field on October 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Watson Injury Amid Unmet Expectations

The fact is Watson was greeted by a chorus of boos when he was introduced to the crowd before this game in Cleveland. 

Teammate Myles Garrett was upset after the game that the home Cleveland fans booed their quarterback.

His 76.6 rating this year was 28th in the NFL and his production has been an modest 5 TD passes to 3 interceptions.

Watson, you must recall, arrived in Cleveland after he was given a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Watson has two years left on his contract and the club must make a decision on his future going forward.