After Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles in the Browns’ 21-14 loss to Cincinnati, his season came to a sudden end. On Monday, Dabo Swinney shared that he had reached out to his former Clemson star to offer support.
“I absolutely reached out to him and just tried to encourage him and lift him up,” Swinney said during his weekly Zoom call. “And just praying for him.”
This marks another challenge in Watson’s career, which has seen him face numerous setbacks both on and off the field. His first season in Cleveland was cut short due to a suspension, and injuries limited him to just six games last season as well.
The Browns’ struggles this season haven’t helped. They’re sitting at 1-6, with Watson completing 63.4% of his passes for 1,138 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
“It’s a tough setback for him,” Swinney continued. “He’s still young. He’s got a lot of football left. I mean, look at Aaron Rodgers, he’s about 40 and coming back from a torn Achilles.”
“It’s tough because he was just starting to find his rhythm again,” Swinney said. “But setbacks happen. You can’t let them keep you down. You’ve got to bounce back, and I know he will.”
Watson will have an uphill battle to return to the field.