Kevin Stefanski has been insistent that the Cleveland Browns would not be moving on at quarterback.

But on Sunday afternoon, Deshaun Watson and his $230million contract may have given the franchise the chance to move on under center.

Watson’s injury was later confirmed to be an Achilles injuryTwitter: @NFLonCBS

Watson’s historically bad play has been criticism by media analysts and Browns fans alike as Cleveland have struggled to a 1-5 start.

However, against AFC North rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson was carted off the field in tears with a non-contact injury.

Initial observations suggestions his leg had buckled under him with no other players in close quarters – and he was ruled out in the third quarter with an Achilles injury, according to sideline reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala

As he left the field, Dorian Thompson-Robinson came into the action with regular backup Jameis Winston inactive for the game.

While Watson has done little to endear himself to the Cleveland fans in the three seasons he has been with the franchise, the nature of his exit from the field will prompt concerns about how long he may be sidelined.

“I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win,” Stefanski had insisted earlier this week when asked whether Watson would remain the starter.

“We need to play really good offensive football at his position, and really at every position to be successful.”

In contrast to the quarterback’s value to the fans, running back Nick Chubb was active for the first time since Week 2 in 2023.

The 28-year-old is a huge fan favourite and has been out with a gruesome knee injury that required surgery and has left him sidelined for more than a year.

Perhaps symbolically, almost as soon as Watson departed the field, Chubb was handed the ball and ran in for his first touchdown of the year.

Officials called that score back, but two plays later, Chubb was in to the delight of the fans he had promised to pay back for their support.

Chubb penned an emotional tribute to the fans for their support in an open letter to the city via The Players Tribune earlier in the week.

The Browns were immediately on the back foot after the Bengals returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and the return of Chubb was hoped to have a positive effect on the play of Deshaun Watson.

Browns fans wasted no time singing the praises of Chubb.

“The life that has come back into this team and the fans is an absolute breath of fresh air. Nick Chubb, you are an angel,” one emotional fan post to X.

“He’s back like he never left,” another added. While a third posted: “Could not be happier for this man.”

Unfortunately for the Browns, kicker Dustin Hopkins missed the extra point meaning they trailed 7-6 at halftime as they went in search of just a second victory of the season.

The Bengals extended their advantage in the second half, running in a second touchdown of the afternoon while the Browns offense struggled to get going.

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