Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was carted off the field with an Achilles injury during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was running a quarterback draw when his right leg appeared to buckle and he hit the ground.
Watson was briefly on the field in Cleveland before the cart was brought out. Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced him.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the injury is believed to be season-ending.
Watson has struggled greatly this season. He entered Sunday ranked last among all QBs in quarterback rating. He is also second-to-last in expected points added and has the second-worst passer rating among all players who’ve appeared in at least six games.
Entering Sunday, the Browns’ passing offense was last in yards per game and yards per attempt and had taken more sacks than any other team’s.
Availability has been an issue for Watson with the Browns. He appeared in only six games last season, as well as only six the year before, because of to his 11-week suspension after 22 women sued him over allegations including sexual assault and misconduct.
Through six games entering Week 7, Watson had thrown for 1,020 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He left the game Sunday after having completed 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards.
Cleveland signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract after it traded for him in March 2022. His fully guaranteed contract includes a no-trade clause.
Even if the Browns were to release him after this season, they would still owe him $92 million.
