The Cleveland Browns ruled out quarterback Deshaun Watson for the remainder of the season on Wednesday morning after an MRI revealed he needs surgery on his right shoulder.
Watson, a right-handed passer, underwent an MRI on his shoulder after he was injured during a 33-31 victory over the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday. He was diagnosed with a left high ankle sprain in addition to a displaced fracture in his shoulder.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said doctors indicated Watson should not have been able to play with the injury.
“For Deshaun to play, call it 2 1/2 quarters, at a really high level against one of the best defenses in the league with this injury plus the high ankle (injury), it really is an incredible display of physical and mental toughness,” Berry said.
The Browns said doctors were concerned about further structural damage.
“Despite performing at a high level and finishing the game, after consultation with Browns’ Head Physician, James Voos, MD, and industry-leading shoulder specialist, Neal ElAttrache, MD, it has been determined that this injury will require immediate surgical repair to avoid further structural damage,” the Browns said in a statement Wednesday. “Deshaun will be placed on season-ending injured reserve and a full recovery is expected for the start of the 2024 season.”
The news comes one day after the Browns announced running back Nick Chubb underwent a second surgery in September to repair torn ligaments in his right knee. His timeline is less certain. The Browns said the “estimated recovery time from these surgeries indicates that Nick would be able to return to play during the 2024 season.”
Berry said the Browns, who traded current Minnesota Vikings starter Josh Dobbs before the start of the season, are in the market for a third quarterback and would add one this week.
Per NFL Network, Watson visited multiple doctors and wanted to play through the injury. He was advised, however, that the shoulder could “fall apart” if he were to be hit in the same spot.
Watson is expected to make a full recovery for the start of the 2024 season, the team announced.
P.J. Walker likely will be under center when the Browns (6-3) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) in another big AFC North match this Sunday. Both teams have won two straight and are chasing the Ravens (7-3).
Watson completed 20 of 34 passes with one interception and rushed eight times for 37 yards against Baltimore. Trailing 31-17 in the fourth quarter, his 10-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Moore ignited a comeback capped by a 40-yard walk-off field goal from Dustin Hopkins.
Watson, 28, completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,115 yards with seven TDs and four interceptions in six games this season.
–Field Level Media
