Miami (AFP) – Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson was carted off the field in the second quarter of the Browns’ all-Ohio NFL clash with Cincinnati on Sunday with an Achilles tendon injury. Watson had dropped back to pass when he crumpled to his knees, the team later confirming he was “out with an Achilles injury.”
Watson remained huddled on his knees as Browns medical staff attended him, and he was then taken to the locker room. It’s yet another setback for Watson, who through the first six weeks of the season had thrown for just over 1,000 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. He was helming one of the worst offenses in the league and was booed by home fans during the team introductions on Sunday.
Off the field, the NFL said in September it was reviewing new allegations of sexual assault against Watson, made in a civil lawsuit filed in Texas. The allegations came just over two years after Watson was suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million in August 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, following accusations by some 25 women of sexual misconduct during personal massage sessions. He subsequently reached settlements with 23 of his accusers but did not face criminal charges.
Watson left the Houston Texans for Cleveland in a blockbuster trade two years ago that made him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
© 2024 AFP
