Deshaun Watson ruptures Achilles again, could miss all of 2025

Field Level Media|published: Fri 10th January, 12:22 2025

Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's availability for the 2025 season is in jeopardy after additional tests revealed that he ruptured his Achilles again.

Multiple media outlets reported Friday that Watson met with Dr. Robert Anderson before undergoing the surgery on Thursday. Watson initially tore his right Achilles tendon on Oct. 20.

The Browns reworked Watson's contract last month to soften the salary cap hit for 2025 and have said they plan to address their quarterback 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 the Week 18 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 general manager Andrew Berry again on Monday said the Browns were planning to pursue other quarterbacks before they learned of the latest Watson news.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Watson has thrown for 17,904 yards with 123 touchdowns and 48 interceptions in 73 career games (72 starts) with the Houston Texans (2017-20) and Browns.

--Field Level Media