On Friday, the Cleveland Browns announced that quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent surgery Thursday after re-tearing his right Achilles tendon.
The former star quarterback, 29, tore his Achilles on October 20 in a loss to the rival Cincinnati Bengals. Watson’s initial Achilles tear marked the second year in a row that his season ended prematurely due to injury. In 2023, Watson missed the last eight games of the season following surgery on his throwing shoulder.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, sources believe Watson will need seven months to recover from the second Achilles tear. In a statement, the Browns said Watson’s “recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season.”
Here is the statement in full:
“Yesterday, 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.”
The injured QB has two years remaining on the five-year, $230 million deal he signed before the 2022 season. Watson’s deal is fully guaranteed. A three-time Pro Bowler while a member of the Houston Texans, Watson has failed to produce for the Browns. In three seasons, Watson holds a 9-10 record and has thrown just 19 touchdown passes.
Cleveland holds the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, so conventional wisdom suggests Watson may have started his last game for the franchise.
