Deshaun Watson Injury History

American football quarterback Derrick Deshaun Watson plays for the Cleveland Browns as of October 2024. He was drafted by the Houston Texans as a first-round pick (12th overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft. He started six games out of the seven he appeared in, in his rookie year. Watson completed 126 passes for 1,699 yards earning himself a spot in the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He became a starter for the Texans in 2018 starting all 16 regular season games. Watson ended that season with a record of 11-5 getting a spot in his first Pro Bowl that season. After failing to start a game in 2021 and 54 appearances over five seasons for the Texans, Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. In his eight seasons in the NFL, Watson has appeared in 72 games completing 1,512 passes for 17,776 yards as of October 2024.

Growing up in Georgia, Watson attended Gainesville High School in 2010. Watson established multiple state marks throughout his high school career, including career throwing yards (13,077), career passing touchdowns (155), overall yards (17,134), and total touchdowns (218). He committed to Clemson University playing for the Tigers in 2014. Watson had a breakout season as a senior winning the CFP National championship. He was also named as the Offensive MVP of the championship. Watson also won the Davey O’Brien and Manning Award for two consecutive seasons (2015,’16).

Deshaun Watson Injury History

Deshaun Watson had a rough time with injuries during his rookie year in the NFL. He came back strongly from a season-ending injury. Except for his long time out in his rookie year, Watson has missed very few games in the NFL since 2018. He also sustained a few blows in his college year. A few fractures and tears in 2014 cost him a few of his game time. However, Watson came back strong in 2015 establishing himself throughout his college career.

Major Injuries Sustained by Deshaun Watson in the NFL

Knee ACL Tear Grade 3 (2017)

Watson's first season ended early on November 2, 2017, when he tore his ACL during a non-contact play during practice. Watson had to go through a right knee successful surgery on November 8 to repair his ACL.

Back Lower Lumbar Sprain (2019)

Prior to the Week 17 game against the Titans, Watson was designated as a limited participant due to a back issue according to DraftSharks. He participated actively in the match and supported AJ McCarron.

Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear (2023)

During Week 3 in September 2023, Watson sustained a cuff injury costing him four weeks of football according to DraftSharks. He returned from the shoulder injury in Week 7.

Shoulder Scapula Fracture (2023)

Against the Colts in Week 7, Watson's throwing shoulder was hurt badly according to DraftSharks. Before receiving a diagnosis of an arm injury, he played two more games after making a comeback in Week 9. Later, he was announced out for the rest of the 2023 NFL season.

Deshaun Watson Injuries Sustained in College

Knee ACL Tear Grade 3 (2014)

During practice, Watson tore his left ACL. On November 29, 2014, he played despite the injury against South Carolina according to DraftSharks.

Hand Finger Fracture (2014)

Watson fractured his finger costing him three games. He returned against Georgia Tech according to DraftSharks.

Shoulder Clavicle Fracture (2014)

During a spring scrimmage, Watson's collarbone slightly cracked on April 7, 2014.

Knee LCL Sprain Grade 2 (2014)

Watson sustained a left LCL sprain vs Georgia Tech.

Deshaun Watson Injuries

Date of an injury	Injury name
November 20, 2014	Knee ACL Tear Grade 3
October 11, 2014	Hand Finger Fracture
April 7, 2014	Shoulder Clavicle Fracture
November 15, 2014	Knee LCL Sprain Grade 2
November 2, 2017	Knee ACL Tear Grade 3
December 25, 2019	Back Lower Lumbar Sprain
September 24, 2023	Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear
October 22, 2023	Shoulder Scapula Fracture