Many want to know the latest Deshaun Watson injury update after he re-ruptured his Achilles tendon that was originally torn in late October 2024. While being on the road to recovery for more than two months after his first surgery to repair the tendon, he tore it a second time during rehab. The star quarterback, 29, has struggled with injuries since being traded to the Cleveland Browns before the 2022 season, putting his future with the team in greater jeopardy.
When will Deshaun Watson come back after his new Achilles injury in 2025?
DeShaun Watson’s Achilles injury will take at least seven months to heal, according to various sources speaking with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Meanwhile, the Browns confirm on X that his “recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season.”
The Browns also verified that Watson had a second surgery to repair the tendon on Thursday, January 9, with the operation performed by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Bob Anderson.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated on Monday that Watson had experienced “a setback in rehab” that would have significant consequences for his availability next season, as reported by NFL.com. The re-rupture of his Achilles tendon now makes his recovery time even longer and places doubt on his performance on the field even if he’s able to return during the 2025 NFL season.
Since being signed to the Browns, Watson has only been in 19 games thus far.
What will happen with Deshaun Watson’s contract if he can’t play in 2025?
The Browns are in a difficult position when it comes to Watson’s five-year contract, which comes with a fully guaranteed $230 million. Watson will be owed $46 million in both 2025 and 2026, with cap hits of $72.9 million for those two years as well.
The quarterback had his contract restructured in December 2024, per ESPN, with two additional void years added in and the Browns being allowed to push his dead salary cap to 2030.
On a better note, the Browns have a $44.3 million insurance policy on Watson’s 2025 salary in case he is unable to play for the entire year, according to NFL contract expert Jason Fitzgerald on X.
Since the Browns have the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, the team could choose to pick a new quarterback while Watson recovers.
