Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is done for the 2023-24 NFL season. This was after an MRI performed on the three-time Pro Bowler showed two serious injuries, a high-ankle sprain and a displaced fracture to the glenoid on the 28-year-old's right shoulder.
Despite incurring the injuries, Watson managed to finish the game and help his team to a 33-31 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, November 12.
However, the Browns' head physician, Dr. James Voos, and shoulder specialist, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, recommended that the shoulder undergo season-ending surgery, dealing Cleveland a huge blow in their AFC North chances.
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
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Watson has played only 12 games for the Browns since arriving in 2022. In those games where he started, the Browns are 8-4, ESPN noted.
With this development, questions about what the Browns will need to do are in the air. Here are some of the things the Cleveland Browns need to address.
Will the Browns be content with Thompson-Robinson and Walker?
The immediate concern is if the Browns will be content with their two remaining play-callers - Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker. Both have not had notable performances, so it will be interesting if head coach Kevin Stefanski dips his hands in the free-agent market.
There are several free-agent quarterbacks the Browns may consider, per WKYC. That list includes
- Nick Foles
- Joe Flacco
- Matt Ryan
- Colt McCoy
- Tom Brady
Of those names, Brady is not a feasible option. The seven-time Super Bowl champion made it clear that he is done with football and is focusing more on its business side.
It is also worth noting that these QBs are in their prime, with McCoy being the youngest at 37 years old. The Browns could consider it a short-term lease to ensure they can still function well on offense.
Browns will leave it to fate
Right now, the only options feasible for the Browns are to either get a veteran QB or keep the faith in Thompson-Robinson and Walker. There are still big stakes on the line for the Browns, who are among the teams with above .500 records in the AFC North, NBC Los Angeles reported.
Any move may likely happen after the Browns game against the Steelers on Sunday, November 19. This could give Stefanski ample time to assess if hiring a third play-caller is a need.
Will getting a veteran QB to help the Browns go deep?
Another point worth pondering is assessing the viability of adding a veteran play-caller. Will it help the Browns in their current NFL run?
It is a gamble on the part of the Browns at this critical point of the season. There is no telling if adding a proven quarterback will allow them to stay the course.
What is Watson's future with the Browns?
The Deshaun Watson trade started on the wrong foot due to the sexual harassment allegations in 2022. Regardless, Cleveland signed him to a five-year $230 million contract, SI.com reported.
But with the investment hardly paying off, the offseason could be interesting for the Browns. Will they be patient with Watson or move on?
Cleveland could wait to see how well Watson returns from his shoulder injury. If they see a huge decline, it could signal the end of the Watson-Browns partnership.
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