Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was carted off the field with an apparent right leg injury Sunday.
Watson went down with a non-contact injury during the second quarter of the Browns’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was running a quarterback draw when his right leg appeared to buckle and he hit the ground.
Watson was on the field for a brief period before the cart was brought out. Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced him for Cleveland.
Watson has struggled greatly so far this season. He entered Sunday ranked 31st and last among all QBs in quarterback rating. He is also second-to-last in expected points added and has the second-worst passer rating among all players who’ve appeared in at least six games.
Entering Sunday, the Browns’ passing offense was last in yards per game, yards per attempt and had suffered more sacks than any other team.
Availability has been an issue for Watson during his time with the Browns. He appeared in only six games last season, as well as only six the year before due to his 11-week suspension after 22 women sued him for allegations including sexual assault and misconduct.
Through six games entering Week 7, Watson threw for 1,020 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He left the game Sunday after completing 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards.
Cleveland signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract after trading for him in March 2022. His contract is fully guaranteed and contains a no-trade clause.
Even if the Browns were to release Watson after this season, they would still owe him $92 million.
Rohan Nadkarni is a sports reporter for NBC News.