New information surfaces about Deshaun Watson’s injury

Aug 5, 2024; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during practice at the Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the remainder of the season after he suffered an Achilles injury on Sunday, and some new information about the situation has surfaced.

Watson suffered a non-contact injury late in the first half of the Browns’ 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. He had tears in his eyes as he was carted to the locker room. A video appeared to clearly show he ruptured his right Achilles tendon.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, an MRI confirmed that Watson tore his Achilles. The 29-year-old will miss the remainder of the season.

An MRI revealed that Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s Achilles is in fact ruptured, as suspected, and his 2024 season is over.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2024

Watson is hoping to avoid the typical recovery timeline associated with rehab from an Achilles tear, which is 9-12 months. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Monday that the former Pro Bowl quarterback will explore the so-called “speed bridge” procedure that Aaron Rodgers underwent after Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1 last season.

Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed a modern procedure on Rodgers that resulted in the four-time NFL MVP returning to play much more quickly than he would have if he had the traditional Achilles surgery. Rodgers returned to football activities with the Jets just 77 days after having the procedure.

Watson is signed through 2026 with his fully guaranteed, $230 million contract. Many Browns fans were ready to move on from him before the Achilles injury, and some of them were scolded over the way they showcased that after Watson got hurt.