Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent surgery on Thursday to address a re-rupture of his right Achilles tendon.
The injury is expected to sideline Watson for most of, if not the entirety, of the 2025 season.
Watson, who had previously sustained an Achilles tendon tear in the 2023 season, reported discomfort after rolling his ankle during a recent trip to Miami.
Subsequent medical examinations confirmed a re-rupture of the tendon. He subsequently underwent surgery.
His latest setback comes on the heels of a challenging season for Watson, who also missed the final eight games of the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury.
The 29-year-old quarterback has faced significant injury challenges in recent years, impacting his on-field performance.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles again, could miss all of 2025. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Ul9sDoPNyw
— NFL (@NFL) January 10, 2025
The Browns, who hold the No.2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, are expected to explore options to address their quarterback position in the off-season.
General Manager Andrew Berry acknowledged the need for change at the position, stating: “I think the reality of it is that room, it will look different next year.”
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a 2023 fifth-round pick, is the only other quarterback currently under contract for the 2025 season.
Jameis Winston and Bailey Zappe, who both saw playing time this season, are set to become free agents.
Watson, who signed a record-breaking five-year, $230 million contract before the 2022 season, still has two years remaining on the deal.
But, he has played in only 19 games since joining the Browns. His on-field performance has been below par, with his total QBR ranking last in the NFL before his season-ending injury.
