CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have confirmed that quarterback Deshaun Watson will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right leg during a game against Cincinnati. This information was revealed by a source familiar with the situation on Monday.

Watson sustained the injury during a non-contact play in the second quarter while the Browns were ultimately defeated by the Bengals, 21-14. He is expected to undergo surgery soon, pending the results of recent imaging tests carried out on his leg, as shared by the anonymous source.

This injury marks the second significant setback for Watson in just two seasons, having previously fractured the glenoid (the socket in the shoulder) of his throwing arm last year. In the incident against Cincinnati, the 29-year-old quarterback collapsed to the ground without being physically contacted during a draw play late in the first half, resulting in apparent agony as his right leg buckled beneath him. Television footage revealed a noticeable ripple in his calf, indicative of an Achilles injury.

In the aftermath of the injury, some fans in attendance expressed their displeasure, leading to backlash from Watson’s teammates, who condemned the unsportsmanlike behavior during the team’s fifth consecutive defeat.

This latest injury continues a turbulent period for Watson during his time with the Browns. The franchise made a significant investment in him, trading away three first-round draft picks to acquire him from Houston, and signing him to a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million in 2022. This move was made despite Watson facing accusations from over two dozen women regarding sexual misconduct and harassment during massage therapy sessions. He reached settlements in all but one of the civil lawsuits associated with these allegations.

Watson faced an 11-game suspension imposed by the NFL before making just six starts last season, during which he injured his shoulder. The recent developments further complicate his standing with the team and its fan base.