Browns QB Deshaun Watson to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery: reports
Browns QB Deshaun Watson will undergo season-ending surgery on a broken bone in his throwing shoulder, according to reports.
An MRI revealed the quarterback had a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his right shoulder, according to a team statement. The team placed Watson on injured reserve and he is expected to return at the start of next season.
The team said the injury was sustained during the first half of Sunday’s 33-31 victory against division rival Baltimore Ravens. He was able to finish the game, completing 20 of 34 pass attempts for 213 yards, including a perfect 14-for-14 in the second half, before informing the medical staff of shoulder discomfort. The 28-year-old also suffered a high ankle sprain during Sunday’s contest.
Watson missed four games earlier this season due to a rotator cuff strain in the same throwing shoulder. That injury was sustained in a win against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 24.
Watson’s season-ending surgery puts PJ Walker in line to be the Browns’ starting quarterback. Walker has thrown for 618 yards with five interceptions and one touchdown in five games of action this season. He’s started two games for the Browns this season. The former XFL quarterback made seven starts with the Carolina Panthers from 2020-22.
Watson’s season now ends after totaling 1,115 yards for seven touchdowns and four interceptions in six games. He finished with a 61.4% completion percentage.
The Browns (6-3) will face the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) on Sunday in a pivotal AFC North matchup. Both teams trail the 7-3 Ravens in a tightly-contested AFC North division. The Cincinnati Bengals are currently last in the division with a 5-4 record.
