Cleveland Browns Qb Timeline: from 2024 Injury Turmoil to Watson's Latest Resurgence
Q1: What injury did Deshaun Watson sustain in Week 7 of the 2024 season?
A1: Watson suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon on a non-contact dropback against the Cincinnati Bengals, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season and spend over 10 months in intensive rehabilitation.
Q2: Who started at quarterback for the Browns after Watson's 2024 injury?
A2: Veteran backup Jameis Winston took over starting duties for the majority of the remaining games, while second-year passer Dorian Thompson-Robinson earned spot starts when Winston dealt with injuries and turnover struggles.
Q3: Did the Browns draft a quarterback to replace Watson ahead of 2026?
A3: Cleveland explored collegiate prospects and drew heavy media links to Shedeur Sanders, but the front office chose to prioritize offensive tackle depth in the draft, backing Watson as their unquestioned starter for 2026.
Q4: How does Watson's current contract impact Cleveland's roster flexibility?
A4: Because his five-year, $230 million deal is completely guaranteed, cutting or trading Watson carries prohibitive dead-money cap penalties, compelling the Browns to build their offensive scheme around his skill set through the life of the deal.
