Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, 17, carries a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
tom withers
Associated Press
CLEVELAND — When Deshaun Watson tucked the ball under his armpit and fell untouched, some Browns fans cheered.
All for the wrong reasons.
Cleveland’s polarizing quarterback, who has divided the team’s fan base since he arrived two years ago, suffered what appears to be a season-ending Achilles tendon injury Sunday in the first half of a 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Ta.
It’s another surprising development in Watson’s tenure with the Browns, who believed they were getting their franchise quarterback when they signed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022.
Everything is uncertain now.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has stuck with Watson this season despite inconsistent play, but did not officially rule out taking over as quarterback for the remainder of the season. However, all signs point to the 29-year-old missing the remainder of the year.
“That’s the way it is,” Stefanski said.
With 1:26 left before halftime, Watson’s legs buckled on a non-contact play as he stepped back to pass. Watson’s calves appeared to tremble as he planted the seeds, then he threw himself off and fell onto the grass.
Watson, whose two-plus seasons in Cleveland were marred by off-the-field troubles, injuries and poor play, covered his head with a towel as he was carted away. While he was down, the Browns and Bengals left the sideline to surround him and offer support.
Initially, boos could be heard before fans realized the seriousness of Watson’s injury.
Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett was disgusted that some fans cheered when Watson went down.
“We don’t boo whether our opponent goes down or our game goes down,” Garrett said. “As Browns and as fans, we should be ashamed of ourselves for booing anyone, and their downfall could be a season-altering, career-altering injury.
“No man is perfect. He doesn’t have to be. None of us are expected to be perfect. We can’t judge what we’re doing above. But we need to do better.”
Joe Burrow threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter and the Bengals (3-4) ended a six-game losing streak against Cleveland. Burrow has played well against every team in the NFL, but struggled against the Browns, going 1-5 overall and 0-3 on the road.
Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase for an 18-yard TD, then connected with Tee Higgins for a 25-yard score six minutes later. He completed 15 of 25 passes for 181 yards.
“It’s a big win,” Barrow said. “But that’s one thing. We have three or four guys right now. Great teams find a way to win, and I think we have a chance to be a great team. We’re not there yet. has not been reached.”
Watson has been controversial since the Browns (1-6) traded three first-round draft picks to Houston. In 2022, he was suspended for the first 11 games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after being accused by 20 women of sexual assault during massage therapy sessions.
Watson started six games and showed flashes of his Pro Bowl days with the Texans last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
The 29-year-old underperformed for most of this season, but the Browns continued to protect him.
Before his injury, Watson was 15 of 17 for 128 yards. He was replaced by Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who moved ahead of Jameis Winston on the depth chart this week. Thompson-Robinson went 11 of 24 for 82 yards and two interceptions before leaving with a finger injury.
Winston played until the final 3:43, throwing a TD pass to David Njoku and a 2-point conversion to Cedric Tillman.
Like Garrett, Winston was appalled by the fans’ actions.
“I’m extremely outraged by the reaction to a man who has been against the world for the past four years,” Winston said. “He risks his body and his life every day for this city. Regardless of your perception, regardless of what you think should happen to him, he He promised me every day that he would be here to do what was best for this team.”
Charlie Jones returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and the Bengals won three of four games after slipping in three straight to start the season.
Watson’s injury comes as the Browns brought back running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last season. Chubb ran for a 1-yard touchdown right after Watson got out.
Chubb drew a huge ovation when he sprinted out of the tunnel during pregame introductions. The outcry came seconds after a struggling Watson was booed before Cleveland’s first home game in three weeks.
“I was so happy that he scored a touchdown in his first game back. I know how much the fans love him,” Winston said. “I heard, ‘Chub, chub, chub,’ and we need more of that.”
The Bengals led 7-0 before Burrow touched the ball.
Jones caught the go-ahead kick at the goal line, found a seam at Cleveland’s 25, cut to his right and disappeared. He almost got caught at the 10-yard line, but didn’t lose his footing, stayed in bounds, and rolled into the end zone.
It was only the third kick return of his career. As a rookie last season, he completed a punt back for 81 yards and a TD against Baltimore.
Jones’ TD was the longest return of the season and the third since the new kickoff rule was implemented this season.
injury
Bengals: S Geno Stone was ejected late in the fourth game for riding in a cart with a foot injury. Stone was accidentally hit by teammate Vonn Bell and was given an air cast. Coach Zac Taylor said Stone’s injury was not as serious as it appeared. …LT Orlando Brown Jr. left the game in the second quarter with a right knee injury and did not return.
Browns: Stefanski confirmed Thompson-Robinson’s injury is a throwing hand injury, but provided no further updates.
to the next
Bengals: Host Philadelphia next Sunday.
Browns: Host Baltimore next Sunday.
