What Happened to Deshaun Watson on the Browns? Why is Deshaun Watson Not Playing Today?
by Sangamithra | Updated Nov 21, 2023
What Happened to Deshaun Watson on the Browns?
Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, will miss the remainder of the 2023 NFL season due to a broken right shoulder requiring surgery. The team confirmed the news after an MRI on Monday revealed a displaced fracture in Watson's throwing shoulder, necessitating immediate surgery to prevent further damage. Watson sustained the injuries during the Browns' 33-31 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, displaying remarkable toughness by playing through discomfort.
This setback comes as a blow to Watson, who had previously battled a rotator cuff strain, causing him to miss four games earlier in the season. The Browns' general manager, Andrew Berry, expressed disappointment and devastation for Watson, highlighting the quarterback's exceptional physical and mental toughness during the challenging season.
Despite this setback, the team anticipates a full recovery for Watson by the start of the 2024 season. The broken shoulder is considered a new injury unrelated to his previous ailments. Browns fans and the football community will be watching closely as Watson faces this latest challenge in his NFL journey.
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Who is Deshaun Watson?
Deshaun Watson is an American football quarterback playing for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He gained recognition during his college years at Clemson, leading the team to a national championship in 2016. Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, Watson quickly became a standout player.
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 performance earned him Pro Bowl honors for three consecutive seasons. In 2021, Watson faced legal issues, with over two dozen massage therapists accusing him of sexual harassment and assault. Though he settled 20 claims, he denied any wrongdoing.
Disputes with the Texans' management and the legal challenges led to him missing the entire 2021 season and eventually being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. The Browns signed him to a substantial five-year, $230 million contract, making it one of the largest 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.
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
NFL Draft
2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12
NFL Teams
Houston Texans (2017–2021), Cleveland Browns (2022–present)
College
Clemson University (2014–2016)
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
Deshaun Watson's Early Life
Deshaun Watson was born in Gainesville, Georgia, to Deann Watson and Don Richardson. He attended Gainesville High School, where he surprised everyone by earning the starting quarterback spot as a freshman, making history under coach Bruce Miller's spread offense.
During his high school years, Watson set several state records, showcasing his talents with total yards, touchdowns, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. Notably, he rushed for 4,057 yards and scored 63 touchdowns. His junior year was particularly successful, securing a state championship and earning recognitions like Junior All-American.
Watson's achievements attracted offers from various colleges, but he 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 a remarkable football career.
Deshaun Watson Career
Deshaun Watson's football journey began at Clemson in 2014, where he wore #4, a number retired after quarterback Steve Fuller graduated. Despite starting as the backup, Watson's talent shone through, earning him extensive playing time. His true freshman season saw remarkable performances, breaking records and becoming 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, helping Clemson defeat Oklahoma and advance to the national championship against Alabama. Although they lost, Watson's 405 passing yards and four touchdowns set records.
The following year, in his junior season, Watson started strong with victories and impressive stats. 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.
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 a lasting legacy at Clemson.
Deshaun Watson Age
Deshaun Watson was born on September 14, 1995, making him 28 years old as of now. The talented American football quarterback has achieved significant success throughout his career, from setting records in high school to leading Clemson University to a national championship.
Watson's age places him in the prime years of his professional career, having experienced notable accomplishments, including Pro Bowl selections and leading the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. Despite facing challenges, Watson remains a prominent figure in football, showcasing his skills and resilience on the field.
Deshaun Watson's Net Worth
Deshaun Watson, the American football player, has a net worth of $60 million. After a successful college football career at Clemson, he entered the NFL in 2017, getting drafted by the Houston Texans. Watson earned 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.
Why is Deshaun Watson Not Playing Today?
Deshaun Watson is not playing today due to a 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 announced that Watson would be placed on season-ending injured reserve, with a full recovery expected for the start of the 2024 season. This injury adds to the challenges the Browns have faced in finding a reliable quarterback, marking another setback in their efforts to address the ongoing quarterback issues that have plagued the team over the years.
Deshaun Watson Benched
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 be 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 in Watson with a fully guaranteed contract, making his benching a 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. The situation adds to the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the Browns' quarterback position, a persistent challenge for the team in recent years.
What Happened to Deshaun Watson on the Browns - FAQs
Deshaun Watson is sidelined due to a season-ending shoulder injury requiring surgery.
Watson's time with the Browns has been marked by disappointment and underperformance, playing only 12 games in two years.
Deshaun Watson's net worth is $60 million, earned through his successful football career and endorsements.
Watson faced legal challenges with over two dozen massage therapists accusing him of sexual harassment and assault in 2021.
Watson was benched during the Colts game after completing 1 of 5 passes and throwing an interception, possibly due to a bothering shoulder.