The Browns announced on Wednesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson will undergo season-ending surgery on a broken bone in his throwing shoulder. Watson had missed three games this season and also left the team’s Week 7 matchup against the Colts early due to injury.
Watson was under center for the first three games of the year but was ruled out of Cleveland’s Week 4 matchup against the Ravens, a 28–3 loss. Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson got the starting nod in that game, completing 19-of-36 passes for 121 yards and throwing three interceptions.
Deshaun Watson will undergo season-ending surgery on a broken bone in his throwing shoulder. pic.twitter.com/W79ku2xzND
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 15, 2023
The Browns then opted to sign quarterback PJ Walker, who received the starting nod after the team’s Week 5 bye. Walker started against the 49ers and Seahawks while taking over against Indianapolis early in the game.
Watson reportedly wanted to play through the injuries, but doctors told the quarterback if he got hit again in the same spot that his shoulder “could fall apart,” according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Watson completed 105-of-171 attempts this season for 1,115 yards, seven passing touchdowns, and threw four interceptions. He also rushed for 142 yards and one additional score.