Browns GM: Deshaun Watson experienced 'setback' with Achilles

Field Level Media|published: Mon 6th January, 10:52 2025

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson heads to the sideline during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson experienced a post-surgery setback in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles, general manager Andrew Berry said Monday.

Berry was informed Sunday that Watson's recovery went off track but he's unclear whether the timeline for Watson's return to the field has changed.

"Yesterday as we went through our normal player medical process, we did learn he did have a setback in his Achilles recovery. We don't have all the details and everything yet, but it will obviously extend the recovery process for him," Berry said.

Asked whether Watson could require another Achilles operation, Berry wasn't definitive about the next steps.

"I don't have all of those details," Berry said Monday. "He did raise it to the doctors. I'm not trying to be evasive here. It's all really new."

The Browns reworked Watson's contract last month to soften the salary cap hit for 2025 and have said they plan to address their QB position. Injuries have been a constant of Watson's tenure in Cleveland since he signed a $230 million fully guaranteed contract.

Watson, 29, played seven games in 2024 and ended the season on injured reserve because of surgery for the second consecutive season. Watson played 12 total games in his first two seasons with the Browns (2022-23).

Cleveland started Bailey Zappe in Saturday's loss at Baltimore and fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey after one season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was noncommittal about his QB plans for 2024 and Berry again on Monday said the Browns were planning to pursue other quarterbacks before they learned of the latest Watson news.

"I wouldn't say it has a significant impact," Berry said.

--Field Level Media