The Cleveland Browns might really be jinxed. Midway through their most promising season in some time comes the devastating news:
Deshaun Watson is out for the rest of the 2023 NFL season with a shoulder injury. The Browns announced Wednesday that Watson will undergo season-ending surgery on a broken bone in his throwing shoulder.
Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson Out for Season
Deshaun Watson will undergo season-ending surgery on a broken bone in his throwing shoulder. pic.twitter.com/W79ku2xzND
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 15, 2023
The Browns’ statement in full:
“Deshaun Watson underwent magnetic resonance imaging Monday on two injuries sustained on different plays in the first half of Sunday’s 33-31 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
“Imaging on his left ankle revealed a high-ankle sprain. In addition, postgame, Deshaun notified our medical staff of a new discomfort in his right shoulder that he felt after a hit in the first half.
“An MRI of his right shoulder revealed a displaced fracture to the glenoid. Despite performing at a high level and finishing the game, after consultation with Browns head physician James Voos and industry-leading shoulder specialist Neal ElAttrache, it has been determined that this injury will require immediate surgical repair to avoid further structural damage.
“Deshaun will be placed on season-ending injured reserve and a full recovery is expected for the start of the 2024 season.”
Watson finishes 2023 with 1,115 passing yards and seven touchdowns with a 61.4% completion rate, four interceptions, 6.5 yards per attempt, and an 84.3 passer rating.
MORE: NFL Playoff Picture After Week 10
While those numbers aren’t great — and certainly not what the Browns had in mind when they gave him nearly a quarter-billion dollars fully guaranteed — it’s important to note that Cleveland is 5-1 in games Watson has started this year and 1-2 in games he hasn’t.
Next man up?
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, per Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. DTR has completed just 54.1% of his passes in his rookie season, throwing three interceptions and no touchdowns.
The Browns (6-3) are currently the sixth seed in the AFC. They have the league’s 12th-easiest remaining schedule (.493).
That’s why the New York Times had the Browns at 84% to make the playoffs and 31% to win the AFC North after Week 10’s games. Now, Cleveland will do well to finish anywhere but last in what’s an absolutely loaded division.
The biggest beneficiaries of the Watson injury (beyond the three other AFC North teams)?
The Texans (who were 51% to make the playoffs before the Watson news), Chargers (31%), Colts (28%), and Bills (19%).
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