Browns QB Deshaun Watson is having surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. Team expects full recovery

CLEVELAND – Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent surgery Friday to repair a torn Achilles tendon, an injury that not only ended his third season with Cleveland but also cast doubt on his future with the team.

The Browns said they expect the 29-year-old Watson to make a full recovery. Normally, such injuries require 6 to 9 months of recovery time.

The operation was performed by Dr. Bob Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Watson, who has failed to live up to expectations since being acquired in 2022 and signing a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million, was hurt in last Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati. Watson was planting his right leg during a draw when his tendon broke.

When he went down, some fans cheered. That response angered many of Watson’s teammates.

“It was a bad moment for us as fans, spectators and administrators of the game,” defensive end Myles Garrett said after Friday’s practice. “We have to move forward and get better – all of us.”

Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been fraught with problems.

He was suspended by the NFL for the first 11 games of 2022 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and harassment during massage therapy sessions while he played for Houston.

Watson made just six starts last season before breaking a bone in his pitching shoulder and undergoing surgery. He returned for the start of this season but was one of the lowest-rated passers in the league through six games for a Cleveland offense that was struggling across the board.

The Browns, who have lost five straight games, are the only team not to score 20 points in a game.

Watson’s play and his latest injury could lead to the team scoring a quarterback high in next year’s draft. The Browns finally have a first-round pick after trading three to the Texans in the franchise-altering trade.

Cleveland also owes Watson $46 million over the next two seasons.

Watson will be replaced this week against Baltimore by backup Jameis Winston, who signed with the Browns as a free agent in March to give them an experienced option. The team did not re-sign Joe Flacco, who led the Browns to the playoffs in 2023.

Starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. will miss Sunday’s game against the Ravens with a knee injury. Wills did not practice this week and was ruled out by coach Kevin Stefanski. The Browns had to juggle their offensive line all season due to injuries.

Stefanski said Wills hurt the same knee he had surgery on in December.

With Wills sidelined, the Browns (1-6) will have to reshuffle the O-line and Stefanski confirmed one option is moving right tackle Dawand Jones to the left.

Jones started the first five games at right tackle as Jack Conklin worked his way back from reconstructive knee surgery. Conklin, a two-time All-Pro, was injured in last year’s season opener and returned to the lineup two weeks ago.

The Browns are expected to get back right guard Wyatt Teller, who missed the past four games with a knee injury. Teller, one of the best run blockers in the league, was scheduled to return from injured reserve and practiced all week.

Stefanski said second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson will back up Winston against the Ravens. Thompson-Robinson came in after Watson was hurt and injured the middle finger on his throwing hand on a bag.

The Browns signed QB Bailey Zappe from Kansas City’s practice squad earlier this week.

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AP N.F.L.: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl