Impact of Deshaun Watson absence to Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson is carted off the field after an injury in the 1st half
Myles Garrett, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, was appalled by the fans’ reactions.

“We should be ashamed of ourselves as Browns and as fans to boo anyone and their downfall,” Garrett said. “No one deserves that.

Third-string quarterback Jameis Winston expressed his strong feelings about the reaction to Watson’s injury.

“I’m very upset with the reaction to a man that has had the world against him for the past four years,” Winston said.

“He put his body and life on the line for this city every single day. I know the standard that hungry fans want, but the way I was raised, I would never pull on a man when he is down.”

Cleveland signed Watson to a fully guaranteed, $230 million contract in 2022. He faced an 11-game suspension by the NFL in his first year with the team, and his second season was cut short after just six starts due to a shoulder injury that needed surgery.

Watson has struggled this season, leading to calls for coach Stefanski to bench him. He was booed during the pregame introductions.

Before getting hurt, Watson completed 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards and was sacked twice. Thompson-Robinson took over but hurt his finger in the fourth quarter after being chosen over Winston for the first time this season.

The Browns gave up a lot for Watson, trading three first-round draft picks to Houston for the three-time Pro Bowler. The 28-year-old has made more news for off-field issues than for his play.

He has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by over two dozen women for inappropriate behavior during massage therapy sessions in Texas.

Watson settled many civil lawsuits that were filed against him.

The league is still looking into a recent claim against Watson made by a woman who accused him of sexual assault. Watson recently reached a confidential settlement to resolve that case.

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