New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson claims he tore his Achilles during the 2019 season, but continued to play through it. In a post on Instagram, Watson took a picture with Joseph Koudelka, a TB12 body coach, and thanked him for keeping him on the field during the season. Watson also tagged Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the post.
He also revealed that it was his good Achilles that he tore. Back in 2016, he tore his other Achilles during the preseason.
Achilles are usually an injury that shuts down players, so the fact he played through it is incredibly impressive and shows his toughness. Watson didn't appear on the Patriots' injury report during the season, and if what Watson is saying is true, it's something the NFL could investigate.
Watson came out of retirement to join the Patriots for the 2019 season. He was suspended for the start of the season after failing a drug test. He was released and later re-signed, playing 10 games with the Patriots.
Watson caught 17 passes for 173 yards, but didn't find the end zone. The team hoped he could be a difference-maker after Rob Gronkowski retired, but he was largely a disappointment. It's unclear exactly when Watson tore his Achilles, but it could be a big reason for his lack of production.
Watson is 39 years old and it's unclear what his future will hold. The first line of business this offseason, if he wants to come back, is to heal up his Achilles injury.