Deshaun Watson left the Cleveland Browns’ Week 7 clash against the Cincinnati Bengals on the back of a cart on Sunday.
The quarterback, who appeared emotional as he left the field, is feared to have suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury, according to Adam Schefter.
The under-fire NFL star fell to the turf with just over a minute left in the second quarter due to a non-contact injury.
The shocking replays appeared to show the questioner’s right calf muscle bursting, which is often an indicator of an Achilles tendon injury.
Watson is feared to have torn his Achilles tendon, an injury similar to the one Aaron Rodgers suffered during his debut with the New York Jets last season, which would rule him out for the season.
Deshaun Watson exited the Cleveland Browns’ Week 7 clash against the Cincinnati Bengals
It was yet another blow for Watson, who has struggled amid a miserable 1-5 start to the season for the Browns.
Watson, who is in his fourth year with the Browns after signing a fully guaranteed $240 million contract, had to endure vicious booing from his own fan base during his introduction to the game.
The audible boos came a week after Watson managed to complete just 16 of his 23 pass attempts for 168 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Watson’s terrible performances, which included a defiant outing during the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders, sparked calls for the signal-caller to be benched.
However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski insisted he would stick with Watson as his starting quarterback instead of Jameis Winston.
But the coach was left with no choice but to turn to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the team’s third-string quarterback, following Watson’s departure after Winston had been listed as inactive earlier in the day.
Watson was traded to the Browns for six draft picks, including three first-rounders, in 2022, despite being sued by more than two dozen massage therapists for sexual harassment and sexual assault the year before.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam gave Watson a five-year, $230 million extension, all guaranteed, in 2022.
The quarterback fell to the grass with more than a minute left in the second quarter.
The communicator was examined by medical personnel after apparently suffering an Achilles tendon injury.
Watson has been involved in several court cases over the past three seasons, and previously reached confidential settlements with 20 women over sexual misconduct claims that saw him suspended for 11 NFL games during the 2022 season.
Last month, it was revealed that he is being sued for more than $1 million by a new woman, who accused him of sexually assaulting her in Texas four years ago. Watson “strongly denies” the allegations.
Meanwhile, on the field, strange scenes unfolded during Week 5 when Watson defiantly retired mid-game.
Stefanski stood in disbelief at his own quarterback as Watson left the huddle and headed to the sideline during the third quarter.
Down 21 on 4th and goal, the head coach made the decision to keep the offense on the field in a desperate attempt to get Cleveland back into contention.
Moments later, however, Watson was off the field and the Browns resorted to kicking a field goal.
It was another blow for Watson, who has struggled amid a miserable 1-5 start.
Watson appeared to challenge his coach, who removed his headphones in frustration before covering his mouth and speaking to his quarterback.
Many NFL fans on social media accused the 29-year-old of effectively quitting his team.
Stefanski later explained that it was a blunder by the Browns that led to Watson leaving the field.
“We had the wrong amount of people in the huddle, and at that point, we were just going to kick the field goal,” he said.
More to follow.
