In the world of professional football, there are moments that leave fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. One such moment occurred when Deshaun Watson, the talented quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, found himself sidelined. What happened to Deshaun Watson on the Browns? Why is Deshaun Watson not playing today? In this article, we’ll delve into the details behind his unexpected absence and shed light on the circumstances that led to this intriguing turn of events.
The Broken Shoulder and Surgery
Deshaun Watson’s journey with the Cleveland Browns took an unexpected turn when it was announced that he would miss the remainder of the 2023 NFL season. The reason? A broken right shoulder that required immediate surgery. The team confirmed this unfortunate news after an MRI revealed a displaced fracture in Watson’s throwing shoulder.
Remarkably, Watson had soldiered through discomfort and played during the Browns’ thrilling 33-31 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, displaying incredible toughness. This injury, however, proved to be a significant setback, especially considering his prior battle with a rotator cuff strain, which had caused him to miss four games earlier in the season.
The Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, expressed his disappointment and devastation over Watson’s injury, highlighting the quarterback’s exceptional physical and mental toughness during this challenging season.
Road to Recovery
Despite the adversity, there is a glimmer of hope for Browns fans and the football community. The team anticipates a full recovery for Watson by the start of the 2024 season. It’s important to note that this broken shoulder is considered a new injury unrelated to his previous ailments. As a result, all eyes will be on Watson as he faces this latest challenge in his NFL journey.
Who is Deshaun Watson?
Before we dive further into his injury, let’s take a moment to get to know Deshaun Watson better. He’s not just a quarterback; he’s a standout player with a remarkable career.
Deshaun Watson is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He first gained recognition during his college years at Clemson, where he led the team to a national championship in 2016. Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, Watson quickly made a name for himself in the league.
Despite facing an injury in his rookie season, Watson guided the Texans to division titles in 2018 and 2019, even leading the league in passing yards in 2020. His stellar performance earned him Pro Bowl honors for three consecutive seasons. However, in 2021, Watson faced legal issues, with over two dozen massage therapists accusing him of sexual harassment and assault. Despite settling 20 claims, he maintained his innocence.
| Full Name | Derrick Deshaun Watson |
| Date of Birth | September 14, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Gainesville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 223 lb (101 kg) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| High School | Gainesville High School |
| College | Clemson University (2014–2016) |
| NFL Draft | 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12 |
| NFL Teams | Houston Texans (2017–2021), Cleveland Browns (2022–present) |
| Jersey Number | No. 4 |
| Roster Status | Injured reserve |
| Career Highlights | 3× Pro Bowl, NFL passing yards leader (2020), CFP national champion (2016), Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2016), etc. |
| Career Stats (2023) | Passing yards: 16,756, TD–INT: 118–45, Rushing yards: 1,994, Rushing touchdowns: 19, Completion percentage: 66.5%, Passer rating: 100.8 |
| Notable Awards | PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017), Davey O’Brien Award (2015, 2016), Manning Award (2015, 2016), ACC Player of the Year (2015), etc. |
| Off-field Issues | Faced lawsuits and settlements related to sexual misconduct allegations (2021), traded to the Browns in 2022 |
From Houston to Cleveland
The legal disputes with the Texans’ management and the ongoing legal challenges led to Watson missing the entire 2021 season. Eventually, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. The Browns showed their confidence in him by signing him to a substantial five-year, $230 million contract, making it one of the largest deals in NFL history. As of August 2023, Watson ranks among the top in career completion percentage and is third in all-time career passer rating.
A Glimpse into His Early Life
To truly understand Deshaun Watson, it’s essential to know where he came from. He was born in Gainesville, Georgia, to Deann Watson and Don Richardson. His football journey began at Gainesville High School, where he earned the starting quarterback spot as a freshman, surprising everyone under coach Bruce Miller’s spread offense.
During his high school years, Watson set several state records, showcasing his talents with impressive statistics in total yards, touchdowns, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. His junior year was particularly remarkable, securing a state championship and earning recognitions like Junior All-American.
Watson’s talents attracted offers from various colleges, but he ultimately committed to Clemson University in 2012, becoming the top quarterback recruit for the 2014 class according to ESPN 300. His early success laid the foundation for an exceptional football career.
The Clemson Years
Deshaun Watson’s college journey began at Clemson in 2014, where he wore the iconic #4 jersey, a number retired after quarterback Steve Fuller graduated. Despite starting as a backup, Watson’s undeniable talent earned him significant playing time. His true freshman season witnessed spectacular performances, breaking records and eventually earning him the title of the Tigers’ starter.
In 2015, Watson led Clemson to an undefeated regular season and secured the ACC Championship. His outstanding play continued in the College Football Playoff, where he helped Clemson defeat Oklahoma and advance to the national championship against Alabama. Though they lost, Watson’s 405 passing yards and four touchdowns set records.
The following year, during his junior season, Watson continued his impressive streak with victories and remarkable statistics. He won consecutive Davey O’Brien Awards and became the first repeat winner of the Manning Award. Despite being a Heisman finalist twice, he didn’t secure the trophy.
The Championship Victory
Watson’s junior year culminated in a thrilling College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Alabama. He threw the game-winning pass, securing Clemson’s second national title. In November 2016, Watson, along with three teammates, declared for the NFL Draft after graduating with a degree in communications. This marked the end of his college career, leaving an enduring legacy at Clemson.
Deshaun Watson’s Age
Deshaun Watson was born on September 14, 1995, making him 28 years old as of now. These are the prime years of his professional career, where he has achieved remarkable success, from setting records in high school to leading Clemson University to a national championship.
Watson’s age places him in a position of experience and skill, with notable accomplishments, including Pro Bowl selections and leading the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. Despite the challenges he has faced, Watson remains a prominent figure in football, continually showcasing his skills and resilience on the field.
Exploring His Net Worth
Deshaun Watson, the American football player, boasts a net worth of $60 million. His successful college football career at Clemson paved the way for his entry into the NFL in 2017 when he was drafted by the Houston Texans. Watson accumulated numerous accolades in college, including being a consensus All-American and winning the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship with Clemson.
Known for his achievements, Watson holds the record for the highest career completion percentage in NFL history (67.8%) and ranks second in all-time career passing. However, his 2021 season was marred by multiple sexual misconduct lawsuits, leading to him sitting out. In March 2022, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he signed a significant contract. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury in November 2023 cut his season short, posing challenges for both him and the Browns.
The Mystery of the Benching
So, why is Deshaun Watson not playing today? The answer lies in his shoulder injury. He sustained a fracture in his throwing shoulder during a game against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite finishing the game, further medical evaluation revealed a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his right shoulder, requiring immediate surgical repair.
As a result, the Cleveland Browns made the tough decision to place Watson on season-ending injured reserve, with hopes of a full recovery in time for the start of the 2024 season. This injury adds to the challenges the Browns have faced in finding a reliable quarterback, marking yet another setback in their efforts to address the ongoing quarterback issues that have plagued the team over the years.
A Concerning Benching
But that’s not the only twist in this intriguing story. Deshaun Watson was benched during the Cleveland Browns’ game against the Indianapolis Colts after less than a half of play. He completed only 1 of 5 passes for five yards and threw an interception before leaving the game. Watson took a hard fall and went through concussion protocol but was cleared to return. However, he did not re-enter the game, and backup PJ Walker took over.
The prevailing theory is that Watson’s shoulder might have been bothering him. Although he started the game, it seems his shoulder might not have been able to withstand the physical demands of football. This marks Watson’s first game since September 24th, and there has been silence from the team regarding his shoulder condition.
The Browns had invested heavily in Watson with a fully guaranteed contract, making his benching a major concern for the team. Watson has faced challenges, including off-field issues in Houston, and his performance has not matched the expectations set by his contract. This situation adds to the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the Browns’ quarterback position, a persistent challenge for the team in recent years.
FAQs
- Why is Deshaun Watson not playing for the Cleveland Browns?
Deshaun Watson is sidelined due to a season-ending shoulder injury requiring surgery. - What has been Deshaun Watson’s performance with the Browns?
Watson’s time with the Browns has been marked by disappointment and underperformance, playing only 12 games in two years. - How much is Deshaun Watson’s net worth?
Deshaun Watson’s net worth is $60 million, earned through his successful football career and endorsements. - Why did Deshaun Watson face legal issues in 2021?
Watson faced legal challenges with over two dozen massage therapists accusing him of sexual harassment and assault in 2021. - Why was Deshaun Watson benched during the Colts game?
Watson was benched during the Colts game after completing 1 of 5 passes and throwing an interception, possibly due to a bothering shoulder.
In conclusion, Deshaun Watson’s absence from the Cleveland Browns remains a topic of intrigue and discussion in the world of football. His journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges, continues to captivate fans and experts alike. As we await his return, the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Deshaun Watson’s resilience and determination will remain at the forefront of his career.
