Deshaun Watson raptures Achilles again, could miss whole 2025 season

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s status for the 2025 NFL season is in serious doubt after undergoing a second surgery to repair a re-ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury occurred when Watson rolled his ankle during an offseason exit physical, which revealed the tendon had torn again after his initial Achilles rupture on October 20, 2024, during the Browns’ Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. His first surgery was performed shortly afterward on October 25, 2024.

Deshaun Watson‘s career with the #Browns is likely over…

Cleveland has paid Watson 230 million for just 19 games.

• 12 million per game
• 68 thousand dollars per passing yard
• 12 million dollars for each touchdown
• $19 million for each INT

WORST CONTRACT IN HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/w3W0Ku7UTT

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 10, 2025

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The Browns released a statement outlining the setback:

“Earlier this week, Deshaun Watson reported discomfort after rolling his ankle in Miami during the offseason. MRI results demonstrated a re-rupture of his Achilles tendon. On Thursday, he underwent a second surgery to repair the injury. Recovery time and return-to-play status are uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season.”

Watson’s availability for the upcoming season remains uncertain, creating a critical situation for the Browns’ quarterback position. The team recently restructured Watson’s contract to reduce his 2025 salary cap hit, signaling their intent to address quarterback depth in the offseason.

Watson, 29, has struggled with injuries since joining the Browns, playing only 12 games in his first two seasons (2022-2023) and seven games in 2024 before landing on injured reserve. This marks the second consecutive season that Watson has required surgery and ended the year on IR.