BREAKING: Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Out for the Year

The long, unfortunate saga of Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns has taken another turn. The team announced Tuesday morning that the three-time Pro Bowler will be placed on season-ending injured reserve after an MRI on his right shoulder revealed "a displaced fracture of the glenoid."

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

Watson has been battling a shoulder injury and discomfort since September. He was a surprise scratch in a Week 4 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and went on to miss all but 12 snaps over the next three games. He will now undergo surgery and is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2024 season.

It's a frustrating development for the Browns, who are coming off a thrilling come-from-behind 33-31 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Watson generally struggled as a passer in the game, netting only 195 yards through the air on 38 dropbacks, but he endured to eventually lead a crucial game-winning field goal drive as time expired.

Watson's injury is a devastating blow, but it doesn't necessarily disqualify the 6-3 Browns from contention for a postseason berth. He's been generally miserable since the Browns dramatically acquired him following a slew of sexual assault allegations, netting a mere 5.36 yards per passing attempt while turning the ball over 11 times over 12 starts. That sort of production is hardly irreplaceable.

Excluding his late scratch against the Ravens, the Browns have remained competitive in Watson's earlier absences. They defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-17, topped the Indianapolis Colts 39-38 despite Watson exiting early with only a single completion, and lost to the Seattle Seahawks 24-20 on a last-minute touchdown drive.

Over their nine games, the Browns rank first in yards allowed and second in rushing yards gained. Those are the strengths of their team. As deflating as Watson's injury is, no team in the NFL is better suited to surviving without quality quarterback play. They've been doing it all season.