Deshaun Watson Faces Extended Recovery, Likely to Miss 2025 Season
Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is facing a challenging road ahead as he's expected to miss the entire 2025 NFL season. This development arises from a setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury initially sustained in October 2023. The news, unveiled recently by Browns' General Manager Andrew Berry, casts a long shadow over the team's immediate future and Watson's continued career.
"As we went through our normal player medical process, we did learn that he did have a setback in his Achilles recovery," stated Berry, acknowledging the unexpected twist in Watson's rehabilitation. While the full details of the setback are still unfolding, Berry conceded that it will undoubtedly prolong Watson's recovery. "We don't have all the details and everything yet, but it will obviously extend the recovery process for him," he added.
Achilles injuries are notorious for their lengthy recovery periods, typically requiring nine to 12 months of careful rehabilitation. For Watson, this timeline was further complicated when the setback was discovered, potentially sidelining the quarterback for what will be a significant portion of his career. Berry further elaborated, "It is new information just learned in the past couple of hours, so I don't have everything yet," emphasizing the ongoing nature of their assessment while noting, "I don't want to rule out anything with a major injury. We are still collecting all the information. Obviously, our main focus is to make sure he can get as healthy as possible."
Watson had brought a glimmer of hope to the Browns when he started seven games before his 2023 injury. However, the recent complication adds to what has been a tumultuous time for both the player and the franchise. The projected absence could see Watson missing up to 38 out of a possible 51 games over three seasons, a staggering gap that underscores the harsh realities of professional football injuries.
In response to the burgeoning challenges, the Browns have already taken steps to restructure Watson's contract, which guaranteed him $46 million annually. This strategic move, finalized in late December, reflects the team's commitment to supporting Watson through his recovery while maintaining financial flexibility to manage the repercussions of his absence.
Adding an extra layer of complexity to the situation is Cleveland's position in the upcoming NFL Draft, where they hold the prestigious No. 2 overall pick. This placement offers the team a crucial opportunity to bolster their roster in anticipation of Watson's extended downtime. With draft preparations in full swing, the Browns are faced with difficult decisions. The priority remains fostering Watson's recovery, but simultaneously, they must brace for the operational challenges that lie ahead.
As the Browns navigate this period of uncertainty, they find themselves traversing a fine line between supporting their ailing star and capitalizing on the draft to prepare for the seasons to come. The coming months will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the team's trajectory and Watson's journey back to the field.