Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson undergoes surgery for ruptured Achilles tendon

Watson, who has not lived up to expectations since being acquired in a 2022 trade and signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, was injured in Last Sunday’s loss to the Bengals.. Watson planted his right leg on a draw play when he ruptured his tendon.

When he fell, some fans applauded. That reaction infuriated many of Watson’s teammates.

“It was a bad time for us as fans, spectators and custodians of the game,” defensive end Myles Garrett said after practice. “We have to move forward and be better, all of us.”

Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been plagued with problems.

He was suspended by the NFL for the first 11 games of 2022 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and harassment during massage therapy sessions while playing for Houston.

Watson made only six starts last season before breaking a bone in his throwing shoulder and undergoing surgery. He returned for the start of this season, but was one of the league’s lowest-rated passers through six games for a Cleveland offense that struggled across the board.

The Browns, who have lost five games in a row, are the only team that does not score 20 points in a game.

Watson’s play and latest injury could lead the team to select a high quarterback in next year’s draft. The Browns finally have a first-round pick after trading three to the Texans in the franchise-altering trade.

Cleveland also owes Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons.

Watson will be replaced this week against the Ravens by backup Jameis Winston, who signed with the Browns as a free agent in March to give them an experienced option. The team did not re-sign Joe Flacco, who led the Browns to the playoffs in 2023.

Stefanski said Dorian Thompson-Robinson will back up Winston against the Ravens. Thompson-Robinson came in after Watson was injured and injured the middle finger of his throwing hand on a sack.

The Browns signed Bailey Zappe earlier this week off the Chiefs’ practice squad.