Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery for the 2024 NFL season, the team announced.
Watson suffered a displaced fracture of the glenoid (socket) of his pitching shoulder during the first half on November 12, but remained in the game to rally the Browns past Baltimore 33-31.
The operation was performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
“The rehabilitation process is expected to begin on Friday and a full recovery is expected before the start of the 2024 season,” the team said in a statement.
Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract with the Browns last year, has thrown for 2,217 yards and 14 touchdowns with nine interceptions over two seasons, leading Cleveland to an 8-year record -4.
With five wins this season, Watson has the Browns at 7-3 and in fifth place in the AFC playoffs. Cleveland has only reached the playoffs once since 2002.
Fifth-round NFL draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who earned his first NFL triumph last Sunday against Pittsburgh, is living a rookie dream as Watson’s backup.
Watson spent his first four seasons in the NFL with Houston, but missed the 2021 campaign following allegations of sexual assault by multiple massage therapists, with most of the lawsuits against him settled.
The NFL suspended him for 11 games last year, with his six starts in 2022 matching the number he made this year.
