Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski refused to be drawn into conversations regarding Deshaun Williams‘ future after he sustained a season-ending injury.

The quarterback left the field on a cart against the Cincinnati Bengals in tears after suffering a torn Achilles during the NFL clash on Sunday. Watson will not play again this season, leaving question marks over his Browns future regarding his comeback from injury and poor performances during the opening sex weeks of the season.

Watson was replaced by backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was later benched for Jameis Winston as he struggled in the 21-14 defeat. Reacting in the aftermath of the defeat, Stefanski said on Sunday: “(I’m) Disappointed for [Watson]. Any of our guys that you lose, you’re disappointed because you know much this means to them and how hard they work. It’s tough.”

After the dust from the Browns defeat had settled, which saw their wretched start to the season continue, extending their unwanted record to 1-6 for the season, Stefanski was asked on Monday whether he still believes Watson is the team’s starting quarterback.

“Yeah, obviously I believe in Deshaun,” Stefanski said. “But I also think it’s important just to acknowledge that he just had a bad injury and bad break for him and we’re feeling bad for him and know that he’ll bounce back but not getting into all those things down the road. I’m looking forward to him getting the surgery and obviously getting his body back.”

Stefanski’s comments raised eyebrows over Watson’s future upon his return given the far from glowing perspective on his recent form. The former first-round pick joined the Browns in 2022 from the Houston Texans on a gargantuan contract, but he has failed to turn the fortunes of the franchise.

Deshaun Watson's season is over after rupturing his Achilles

Deshaun Watson’s season is over after rupturing his Achilles ( 

Image:

Jason Miller/Getty Images)

In a follow up question, Stefanski was asked whether he knows where Watson is as a quarterback at this stage of his career. “I understand the question and feel badly for Deshaun with this injury,” Stefanski said. “You know, this is a tough break for him, but I know he will bounce back.

“But he’s been a great contributor to this football team, both in the locker room, on the practice field, on the game field, and we’ll just support him as he rehabs from that injury. I do think we know what he’s about. I know what he brings to the table for this football team.”

Watson’s season comes to a end with the Browns at 1-6, tied for the worst record in the NFL. In seven starts, he registered just five passing touchdowns against three interceptions, with a low passer rating of 79. The 29-year-old remains under contract with the Browns through 2025 and 2026, where he is set to earn a staggering $46million guaranteed in each year.