Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson out for the rest of this season with a shoulder fracture
CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of his second season in Cleveland with a fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that came in his best performance since joining the team following a controversial trade.
Watson will undergo surgery to repair the shoulder fracture, which happened Sunday when he was hit in the first quarter at Baltimore. The team said an MRI revealed a displaced fracture to the glenoid.
Watson will go on season-ending injured reserve, a devastating blow to the Browns, who are in the playoff race and invested $230 million into the 28-year-old whose arrival seemed to end their long search for a franchise QB.
Now, Watson will have to work his way back from a shoulder injury with just three seasons left on his deal.
General manager Andrew Berry will speak to the media at 10:15 a.m.
The Browns traded three first-round draft picks last year to Houston for Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler who wound up being suspended for 11 games by the NFL after he was accused of sexual assault and harassment by more than two dozen women during massage therapy sessions.
Watson missed time earlier this season with a strained rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder, and it’s not yet known if that injury contributed to the fracture. Team physician Dr. James Voos consulted with noted shoulder specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache before determining a course of action.
During Sunday’s game against the Ravens, Watson also injured his left ankle but insisted on staying in and completed 14 of 14 passes in the second half while leading the Browns (6-3) to a last-second 33-31 win.
The Browns (6-3) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) on Sunday.
When Watson missed time earlier this season — he was on the field for just 12 plays in four October games — the Browns started rookie Dorian-Thompson-Robinson one game and P.J. Walker in two games.
Coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to go with Walker the rest of the way, but the Browns could consider signing a veteran free agent. The team was criticized for not acquiring a proven backup before the trading deadline last month when Watson was hurt.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of the NFL season due to a shoulder fracture.
According to ESPN, an MRI performed on Nov. 13 revealed Watson had a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his right shoulder. Team doctors say Watson needs immediate surgery in order to avoid further damage.
Watson, who has thrown for 1,115 yards seven touchdowns and four interceptions this season, is expected to be ready for the 2024 season.
According to the Browns, Watson suffered the injury during the first half of the game, but didn’t tell the team about his shoulder discomfort until after the game, which led to the MRI. A second MRI revealed Watson also suffered a high ankle sprain during the game.
Earlier this season, Watson missed four games due to a rotator cuff strain, but Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Wednesday the injury is unrelated to the shoulder fracture Watson suffered.
“We are very disappointed and devastated for Deshaun, especially given all that he has battled and gone through medically this season,” Berry said. “We look at this as an incredible challenge and opportunity for our organization.”
Berry added the Browns will attempt to sign another quarterback. Backup quarterback PJ Walker will likely start in Watson’s place, but he has struggled this season, throwing for 618 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions in five games.
The Browns, who have won four straight games, are currently 6-3 and tied for second place in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams are half a game behind the Ravens. The two second-place teams will play each other this weekend.
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