"Browns' Deshaun Watson leaves field on cart after suffering non-contact Achilles injury"

CLEVELAND -- Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered what is feared to be a season-ending Achilles injury in his right leg during the team's 21-14 loss to the Bengals on Sunday, head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Watson will undergo further testing to confirm the severity of the injury.

"Obviously, it doesn't look good," Stefanski said. "I'll be checking in with him, but it's tough. Losing any of our guys is disappointing because you know how much this means to them and how hard they work."

The injury occurred on a non-contact play where Watson's leg appeared to hyperextend as he carried the ball on the first snap after the two-minute warning. He immediately went down, giving himself up. Shortly after, a cart came to take an emotional Watson off the field, with the entire Browns sideline joining him in support.

Watson was ruled out soon after the incident.

After the game, some players expressed frustration over fans who appeared to cheer following Watson’s injury. Watson had already been booed during pregame introductions, which was followed by cheers for Nick Chubb, returning after a severe knee injury last year.

"We don't boo injured players, especially when a cart is needed," said defensive end Myles Garrett. "We should be ashamed to see anyone's downfall cheered like that."

Stefanski also condemned the cheering: "It’s never OK to cheer when someone gets hurt. I’m sure it wasn’t everyone in the building, but it’s still disappointing."

Watson was 15-of-17 for 128 yards before the injury. The Browns turned to second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who went 11-of-24 for 82 yards with two interceptions. However, Thompson-Robinson suffered a finger injury in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Jameis Winston, who threw for 67 yards and a touchdown. Stefanski said the team would evaluate both players before deciding who would start next Sunday against the Ravens.

This likely marks the end of another frustrating season for Watson, who has struggled since joining Cleveland in 2022, despite the team trading three first-round picks and giving him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Watson has a history of serious injuries, including ACL tears during his time at Clemson and in his rookie year with the Texans.

Despite the Browns' poor start to the season, Stefanski had stood by Watson, believing he gave the team its best chance to win. However, if Watson’s injury is confirmed to be season-ending, his third season in Cleveland will conclude with just 19 starts in total, following his 11-game suspension in 2022 due to off-field conduct.

The Browns still owe Watson $46 million for the next two seasons, with a salary cap hit of $72.9 million in 2025.