Browns QB Deshaun Watson feared he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was carted off the field in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Bengals after suffering a suspected season-ending Achilles tendon tear, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Watson abruptly fell to his knees after throwing himself back to pass the play. Slow-motion replays appeared to show something burst in his lower right calf, and Watson remained bent on his knees for a time while the Browns' medical staff paid attention to him on the field.

The Browns announced after halftime that Watson would not return after suffering a hamstring injury.

Cincinnati had a 7-0 lead over Cleveland after Watson's exit.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson entered the game following Watson's departure, replacing an afternoon in which the Browns declared Jameis Winston inactive as the team's forced third QB. The second-year QB then led the Browns' first scoring drive of the afternoon, which ended with a touchdown run by Nick Chubb – the running back's first in 398 days. However, a missed PAT prevented Cleveland from tying the game.

Watson was playing his most efficient game of the season before the injury, completing 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards.

Watson is currently in the third year of a five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract that he signed after being traded from the Houston Texans to the Browns in March 2022. He is expected to earn $46 million in 2025 and 2026.