Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has faced a significant setback after re-injuring his Achilles, an issue that could jeopardize his future on the field. The team announced on Friday that Watson reported discomfort after rolling his ankle during an incident in Miami. Subsequent MRI results confirmed that he had ruptured his Achilles for the second time, just months after undergoing surgery to repair the initial injury.
Watson’s Achilles was first ruptured during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, leading to surgery on October 25. However, just 62 days post-surgery, Watson was seen in a TikTok video with his girlfriend, seemingly on vacation. What caught everyone’s attention was Watson’s condition in the video-he was neither wearing a walking boot nor using crutches.
This raised eyebrows among fans and medical experts alike, as such precautions are typically essential during the recovery process. One social media user pointed out, “Re-tear rate is really low and traditionally they are put in a walking boot for 3 months… it would be very hard to roll your ankle if you’re in a walking boot.”
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The video sparked significant backlash, with critics questioning whether Watson took his rehabilitation seriously. Another post bluntly stated, “Watson’s decision to post a video of himself dancing on vacation without his walking boot inside of 3 months of surgery is about to lose him $172 million.” The comments reflect growing frustration over the quarterback’s apparent lack of caution during recovery, which could now have long-term consequences for both his career and the Browns’ future.
Watson faces backlash for apparent rehab lapses
This marks Watson’s third season with the Browns, but he has yet to complete a full season due to injuries and other setbacks. With this latest injury and subsequent surgery-his second on the same Achilles in less than three months-his playing status for the 2025 season is highly uncertain. The Browns, who own the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, may now be forced to explore alternative quarterback options to secure their future.
On a financial note, there is at least some relief for Cleveland. The team had insured Watson’s contract in case of prolonged absence due to injury or suspension. As a result, $44.3 million of Watson’s $46 million base salary for next season is covered by insurance, providing some cushion amid this challenging situation.