5 months ago

Deshaun Watson injury is latest (final?) chapter in an awful story

It’s interesting how quickly life comes at you. My plan entering Sunday’s NFL games was to address Deshaun Watson’s explanation for why he and the Cleveland Browns offense have been so awful this season. However, it’s hard to not believe cosmic forces have been working to balance the scales of justice after Cleveland signed Watson to a ground-breaking, guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022 despite more than two dozen women accusing him of sexual assault or inappropriate conduct during massage sessions. Deshaun Watson is emotional as he's carted off the field in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/IwHpZ53gy0 — NFL on CBS 🏈 October 20, 2024 But I’d be lying if I said I also did not think of Ashley Solis and the tears she wiped away two years ago while recounting her traumatic encounter with Watson. In 2020, Watson wrote a book entitled “Pass It On” and devoted one chapter to “haters” and “doubters.” He was referencing outsiders’ opinions about his ability to return from injury, but it also could apply to his approach to dealing with the fallout from the sexual misconduct allegations.

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History of this topic

2 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson reinjures Achilles, has surgery and will miss ‘significant’ time in 2025

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s already unstable future with the Browns is even shakier. Watson may miss the entire 2025 season after Cleveland’s polarizing quarterback ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months and underwent another operation that could put his career in jeopardy. The setback could end Watson’s unsteady stay with the Browns, who believed they had …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson retears Achilles and has second surgery, putting 2025 in question

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson retore his Achilles tendon and underwent another surgery to repair it, the team announced Friday, casting further uncertainty over whether he will play in 2025. “Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season,” the Browns said. Watson is currently slated to count …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Packers’ Christian Watson out for season with torn ACL in right knee

Associated Press

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has torn his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and he won’t be available for any of the postseason. Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the severity of Watson’s injury Monday, one day after the 2022 second-round pick from North Dakota State was carted into the locker room in the second quarter of …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has medical setback, clouds future with team

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s future as Cleveland’s quarterback is more uncertain. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Monday that Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture, and the team doesn’t know if or when he’ll be available in 2025. Berry said the Browns learned about Watson’s new medical situation during player exit meetings on …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson suffers ‘setback’ in Achilles recovery, ‘too early to tell’ if QB will play in 2025

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a setback during his recovery from his Achilles injury, putting his availability for next season in question, general manager Andrew Berry said Monday. Berry said it’s “too early to tell” if Watson can play in 2025 after Watson told doctors during the quarterback’s end-of-the-season physical that “something didn’t feel right” in his repaired ankle. …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Love and Watson leave Packers’ loss to Bears with injuries

Associated Press

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love says he lost feeling in his throwing hand before leaving Sunday’s regular-season finale, but he added that his injury shouldn′t impact his availability for the playoffs. Love said after Green Bay’s 24-22 loss to Chicago that he was told it shouldn′t be a lingering issue and that it should go …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Chiefs designate CB Jaylen Watson to return and plan to sit most of their stars at Denver

Associated Press

— The Chiefs designated Jaylen Watson to return from the injured list Friday, raising the chances that one of their top cornerbacks could be available when they begin play in the divisional round of the playoffs in a couple of weeks. “He’s really done well coming back,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after Friday’s workout. He was out there until …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The NFL has closed an …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns' Decision on Watson: Eye-Opening Test for the Offense

Associated Press

Browns' decision on Watson is difficult due to circumstances but obvious to the eye test. The blockbuster trade for Watson in 2022 is among the worst in NFL history. Giving him an unprecedented, fully guaranteed $230 million, five-year contract was even worse. With Watson, the Browns are 9-10. Without him, coach Kevin Stefanski is 30-26 overall and twice has been …

5 months ago

MRI confirms Deshaun Watson suffered season-ending Achilles rupture in Browns loss

New York Times

By Zac Jackson, Larry Holder and RJ Kraft An MRI confirmed Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the team announced Monday. Coach Kevin Stefanski and members of the team’s medical staff were out to see Watson almost immediately and the entire Browns team surrounded Watson …

5 months ago

The Browns’ Deshaun Watson era is over. Why Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be QB for now

New York Times

CLEVELAND — We know the final chapter now of the Deshaun Watson saga in Cleveland. Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters that the team believes Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, with more tests ahead to confirm. “Kind of gave me flashbacks of being back at the Ravens game last year and that feeling I don’t want, feeling that …

5 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson believed to have torn Achilles: Source

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon, according to a league source. https://t.co/2aNRLDYo1c — Jeff Howe October 20, 2024 Following the Browns’ 21-14 loss to the Bengals, coach Kevin Stefanski said regarding Watson’s injury being season ending: “Let’s get the tests first, but that’s what it looks like.” Watson was carted off the …

5 months ago

What’s Browns’ plan at QB after Deshaun Watson injury? Answers murky for present and future

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The afternoon began with a strategic placement of Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson 10th on the team’s pregame introduction list. GO DEEPER Garrett, Winston scold Browns fans who cheered after Watson's injury Winston had to report to the lead referee as part of the NFL’s protocol for an emergency quarterback to be allowed to participate. DTR off …

5 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan (once they finally admit it’s over): Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

Before we sort through end-of-season Deshaun Watson exit strategies for the Cleveland Browns, let’s make one thing clear: Watson remains the starting quarterback. Watson’s EPA per pass play ranks 590th out of 592 quarterbacks who started the first six games of a season since 2000, per TruMedia. GO DEEPER Chargers' Jim Harbaugh returns to sideline vs. Broncos after early exit …

5 months, 1 week ago

Browns’ Kevin Stefanski sticking with Deshaun Watson at QB: ‘Gives us the best chance to win’

New York Times

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated Monday that Deshaun Watson remains his starting quarterback despite Cleveland’s 1-5 start to the season with an offense that has struggled to find its footing. “I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win and continues to give us the best chance to win.” Stefanski faced a looming question within Monday’s news conference about …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL QB stock report, Week 6: Deshaun Watson ranks among NFL’s worst, but can Browns bench him?

New York Times

Read The Athletic’s latest NFL QB stock report. It’s been 11 months since Watson has eclipsed 200 passing yards in a game. GO DEEPER What we learned in NFL Week 5: Bengals can't finish, Browns done in by QB they can't bench To take it a step further, Watson has produced one game with at least 250 passing yards and …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson appears to defiantly walk off in the middle of Cleveland Browns game, leaving head coach Kevin Stefanski fuming

Daily Mail

Deshaun Watson left Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stunned when he appeared to defiantly walk off the field during Sunday's loss to Washington Commanders. pic.twitter.com/czT0PJNW6D — Chad Ryan October 6, 2024 Deshaun Watson defiantly walked off the field on a fourth-down play during Sunday's game The quarterback stunned head coach Kevin Stefanski, who wanted to go for it on …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson says he deserves blame after Browns drop to 1-3

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — For the second straight week, the Cleveland Browns had multiple opportunities in the fourth quarter to rally for a win, but fell short. Quarterback Deshaun Watson said to put the blame on him after Cleveland blew an early 10-0 lead and lost 20-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. “If I’m gonna be the quarterback of …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

4 most impactful injuries so far, plus would the Browns bench Watson?

New York Times

Scoop City is The Athletic’s daily NFL newsletter. Live from Charlotte, North Carolina, where the 1-2 Panthers say they aren’t considering trading Bryce Young: Rather than simply watch as the Panthers go down with Young’s stock, The Athletic’s writers explored three trade scenarios, finding he could theoretically fetch a fourth-rounder, significantly better than what the Jets got for Zach Wilson …

6 months ago

Cleveland Browns fans call for Deshaun Watson to be benched amid sexual assault allegations

Daily Mail

Cleveland Browns fans are calling for Deshaun Watson to get benched as the quarterback deals with sexual assault allegations. 'Every week for the past 3 years Deshaun Watson has looked like the worst QB in the NFL and there are still people that claim he's just a little rusty,' one fan wrote. Fans are calling for Deshaun Watson to get …

6 months, 1 week ago

Browns need Deshaun Watson exit strategy fast. And why on earth are they playing him?

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The number of women who have accused Deshaun Watson in court filings of sexual misconduct is now up to 27. Despite the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, writing in a statement that Watson’s defense team has known about this case for the last 10 months, Watson said Wednesday he didn’t know about it until it was reported in the …

6 months, 1 week ago

Why NFL fans are convinced Deshaun Watson has created BURNER account on social media amid criticism

Daily Mail

NFL fans have become convinced that they have found the burner account for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on X as he faces tons of mounting criticism. The account @LeroyBickers4, under the name Leroy Bickerstaff, does not follow a single account and has exclusively posted positive things about Watson. Deshaun Watson may have created a burner account on X as …

6 months, 1 week ago

NFL investigating lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assault

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson is again under a spotlight away from the field. The NFL said Tuesday it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against the Cleveland Browns quarterback for an alleged sexual assault that took place in 2020 while he played for Houston. It’s not known if Watson disclosed the newest allegation to the league — or the …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson accused of sexual assault by Texas woman in 2020 incident

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson has been accused of sexual assault in a new civil lawsuit brought by a woman who alleges the Cleveland Browns quarterback forced himself on her four years ago when he played with Houston. It’s the latest legal entanglement for Watson, who settled 23 of 24 lawsuits against him in 2022 after two dozen women accused him …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson’s shaky performance in opener heightens concerns whether QB can deliver for Browns

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson didn’t flinch last week when asked if he still considers himself one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Watson didn’t even look average — never mind elite — on Sunday w ith a ragged performance in the season opener that has only heightened the belief that the Browns made a colossal mistake in signing him to a …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson has rough return in first game since surgery as Browns thumped 33-17 by Cowboys

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Lying face down in the grass, Deshaun Watson couldn’t see another of his passes sail out of bounds. Watson didn’t look comfortable from the start in his first game since breaking a bone in his right shoulder in November as the Cleveland Browns were blasted 33-17 in their season opener by the Dallas Cowboys. Watson spent much of …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

QB Deshaun Watson makes return from shoulder injury as Browns open season at home against Cowboys

Associated Press

Dallas at Cleveland Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Fox. The NFL’s reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year is hoping to build off his most dominant season as a pro — if possible — and get the Browns to their first Super Bowl. … WR Brandin Cooks has been limited by a knee injury in the preseason but figures to play.. …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns need the best version of Deshaun Watson if they want to reach their ceiling

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns chose to unveil their new stadium naming rights deal on Tuesday. But it’s fair to think if the Browns remain mostly healthy and get strong play from Watson, they can probably reach their high ceiling. No matter how many times the Browns restructure the cap numbers on Watson’s contract, every dollar remains fully guaranteed. Soon, we’ll see …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns release QB Tyler Huntley, leaving them with 3. Deshaun Watson’s contract reworked for 2024

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — The Browns threw away one of their quarterbacks. Cleveland released quarterback Tyler Huntley on Thursday, leaving them with three QBs heading into the season after they were forced to start five in 2023 amid a rash of injuries at the position. Huntley threw three touchdown passes last week in Cleveland’s exhibition finale. The Browns will head into …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns counting on Deshaun Watson’s return from shoulder surgery to build on playoff berth in 2023

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Riding the NFL’s top-ranked defense, the Browns made the playoffs last season despite a rash of injuries at quarterback only to get blown out by Houston 45-14 in the wild-card round. Their chances to go further could hinge on QB Deshaun Watson’s health after he was limited to just six starts before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. NEW …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson sits out preseason finale after dealing with sore arm earlier in week

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s return to the field won’t happen until the games count. The Cleveland quarterback was held out of the Browns’ preseason finale Saturday night at Seattle. Coach Kevin Stefanski had planned to play Watson in the preseason finale but instead decided to take a cautious approach with the franchise QB. “I’ve seen a lot from him and really that …

7 months ago

Browns enter make-or-break 3rd season with QB Deshaun Watson following suspension, shoulder injury

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson was supposed to be the one, the missing piece to return Cleveland’s forlorn franchise to fame. On the eve of a make-or-break third season in Cleveland, there are lingering questions and even some doubts about whether Watson, who has only played 12 games in the past four years due to an NFL suspension in 2022 and …

7 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson will play in Browns’ preseason finale at Seattle. QB on track to start season opener

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s next start has been penciled in. Cleveland’s quarterback, who hasn’t played in a game since breaking his shoulder in November at Baltimore, is scheduled to play in the Browns’ preseason finale on Aug. 24 in Seattle. Watson did not play in the Browns’ exhibition opener against Green Bay last weekend and will be held out of …

7 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson cleared for contact, but will sit out 2nd straight preseason game

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been cleared for contact to his surgically repaired shoulder, but he’ll sit out his second straight preseason game when Cleveland hosts Minnesota this week. Watson spent Saturday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay on the sideline as the Browns were beaten 23-10 by the Packers. However, on a Zoom call Sunday, coach …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson sitting out preseason opener as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson might be ready to play. Watson will sit out Cleveland’s exhibition opener on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers as the team continues to take a cautious approach after the quarterback underwent right shoulder surgery in November. Earlier in camp, Watson said he’s feeling healthy and is aiming this season to “block out noise.” The Browns …

7 months, 3 weeks ago

Quarterback QB Deshaun Watson aiming to block out ‘noise’ after 2 turbulent seasons for Browns

Associated Press

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Deshaun Watson has shifted into self-protection mode. Cleveland’s contentious quarterback, who has played just 12 games the past two seasons due to an NFL suspension followed by a shoulder fracture that required major surgery, said Friday that he’s worked on a new approach as he enters a critical Year 3 with the Browns. So, sometimes …

11 months ago

Browns’ draft still affected by Deshaun Watson trade. Team without first-round pick for 3rd year

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL draft used to be a major event in Cleveland, viewed as a springtime Super Bowl for a team that’s never been to one. The team’s franchise-shifting trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson two years ago has once again made the three-day draft almost an afterthought. The team’s massive investment into Watson affects every move the Browns make, …

1 year ago

Jameis Winston likely to be Deshaun Watson’s backup as Browns agree to deal with veteran QB

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston, according to a source briefed on the matter. Winston went 5-2 as the Saints’ starter in 2021, but in 10 appearances over the last two seasons he’s thrown just six touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 60 percent of his passes. …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns GM says he would ‘absolutely love’ to re-sign Flacco, even as Watson’s backup

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Joe Flacco’s short, surprising stint with the Browns could lead to a second season in Cleveland — maybe as Deshaun Watson’s backup. General manager Andrew Berry said Monday that he would “absolutely love” to re-sign the 39-year-old Flacco, who went 4-1 as a starter and helped the Browns make the playoffs after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns excited about getting Deshaun Watson healthy as they look ahead to next season

New York Times

The Browns’ offseason began with Kevin Stefanski providing a positive update on quarterback Deshaun Watson, and the expected confirmation from Cleveland’s coach that, yes, Watson will be the team’s starter as soon as he’s healthy. Joe Flacco signed to the practice squad eight days after Watson’s injury and led the Browns to a four-game December win streak that helped them …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns’ surprise season crashes in playoffs, but team convinced future bright with healthy QB Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — With a wild-card blowout win secured, Houston’s rowdy crowd let loose, serenading rookie quarterback C.J. On Saturday, the team’s inspiring run to the AFC playoffs despite losing Watson with a fractured shoulder in November, plugging holes all season because of numerous injuries to key players and rolling behind 38-year-old QB Joe Flacco over the final month, ended with …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns coach confident Deshaun Watson will be ‘ready to roll’ after season-ending shoulder surgery

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s first two seasons with the Browns have been short, underwhelming and incomplete. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday he’s still confident Watson will bounce back from a shoulder injury that limited him this season and become the elite quarterback Cleveland mortgaged its future to get. “We all know what he’s capable of and we’re excited …

1 year, 2 months ago

Joe Flacco’s incredible run in Cleveland ends as two pick-6’s doom Browns in playoff loss to Texans

Associated Press

HOUSTON — From the couch to the playoffs, Joe Flacco had an incredible run with the Cleveland Browns. “It’s definitely a shame the way it went down and hard to deal with at the moment,” Flacco said. To be given a chance to do this with those guys, I’m super grateful for it.” He finished with 307 yards and had …

1 year, 2 months ago

Joe Flacco’s revival in Cleveland has the Browns on the verge of clinching a playoff spot

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — When they signed Joe Flacco in near desperation last month, the Browns hoped the veteran quarterback could keep them in the playoff mix. He’s really steadied the ship and we’ve been thankful to have him.” Deshaun Watson returned to the Browns’ facility on Tuesday for the first time since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. As fate would have …

1 year, 3 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson says right shoulder rehab on track following season-ending surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s season ended last month. “But I’m very supportive, and the guys got to keep rolling because they’re on fire right now.” Watson got hurt in the first half of a Nov. 12 game at Baltimore. Until then, I’m just going to follow every rules and every precaution they want me to follow.” After the surgery, Watson …

1 year, 3 months ago

Joe Flacco is giving the Browns exactly what they need at QB: ‘He’s been a baller, man’

New York Times

CLEVELAND — Nobody wanted to dust off the book of uniquely depressing and morbidly strange new-era Cleveland Browns quarterback facts and records this season. GO DEEPER Joe Flacco's renaissance pushes Browns to win over Jaguars That win made Cleveland the first team since the 2015 Houston Texans to win a game with four different starting quarterbacks in a single season. …

1 year, 3 months ago

Could Joe Flacco be next in line to start at quarterback for the Browns?

New York Times

We didn’t get an answer from Kevin Stefanski Monday on the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback plans for the week, which was fully expected. Walker didn’t join the Browns via the practice squad until the week of the season opener, and he ran scout team until the bye week. In Flacco’s first start that season the following week, Moore had eight receptions …

1 year, 4 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson has shoulder surgery. Team expects full recovery before start of ’24 season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to repair a fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that ended his second season in Cleveland after just nine games. The Browns said shoulder specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery to fix the displaced fracture of Watson’s right glenoid. The 28-year-old will begin rehab later this …

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6 days, 13 hours ago