As the Browns wrapped up the 2024 season with exit physicals for all their players, QB Deshaun Watson shared a concern with the medical staff about his Achilles injury.
Executive Vice President and General Manager Andrew Berry said Watson has experienced a setback in his recovery from the Achilles injury, which will extend his recovery process. They are still collecting information about the extent of the setback and Berry said they do not have a timeline for his return to the field.
"It is new information just learned in the past couple hours. So, I don't have everything yet," Berry said. "I don't want to rule out anything with a with a major injury. We are still collecting all the information. And obviously our focus is making sure that he can get as healthy as possible."
Watson sustained the Achilles injury in Week 7 against the Bengals, which ended his 2024 season. After coming back from a shoulder injury that ended his 2023 season, Watson finished the 2024 season completing 137 of 216 passing attempts for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns over seven games. He threw three interceptions and was sacked 33 times for a loss of 191 yards.
Leading up to the end of the season following his surgery, Berry said Watson was progressing appropriately in his recovery. It was still too early in the process to determine where he was in the schedule for his recovery but was taking necessary steps forward.
"Deshaun is very focused on getting healthy, for all the obvious reasons," Berry said. "That's the first thing. That's top of mind. Deshaun is invested in being here. At no point has he given an indication in terms of not wanting to be here or leaving the city, or anything along those lines. He's really focused on getting himself healthy and performing to a higher level."
Berry said they will continue to gather information surrounding Watson's injury setback in the coming days. Yet, Berry reiterated Watson's setback does not have a significant impact on their quarterback acquisition strategy for this coming offseason.
"The reality of it is, that (quarterback) room, it will look different next year," Berry said. "It may obviously impact what the room looks like as we enter the season or camp, depending on the severity of the setback."
