Myles Garrett Faces Tough Battle with Injuries
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is currently navigating a difficult period as he deals with injuries to both of his feet. The all-pro defender underwent an MRI on Monday after re-aggravating his existing foot problems during Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Fortunately, the MRI results came back clean, providing some relief to the Browns and their fans.
Garrett's struggle with injuries was evident in the Browns’ Week 3 loss, where he had to visit the medical tent and receive close attention from trainers. Despite the discomfort, Garrett demonstrated his resilience by re-entering the game. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has since declared Garrett "day to day," reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for his full recovery.
Reflecting on his injuries, Garrett explained, "It's more than just the foot. It's multiple things going on. So, I mean, if I think the foot's feeling good or feeling better, it's one thing or another. So it's kind of just feeding into each other right now, and nothing's sitting right because nothing has time to heal because I'm leaning on something else and I'm compensating here to make something hurt there. It's just been, like I said, a cycle."
Despite hints at possibly needing a procedure in the future, Garrett is determined to continue playing. His focus is very much on contributing to his team's efforts on the field. "I'm not concerned about something I don't know about. So, get the results and move from there. At this point, I'm going to continue to move as I have and look forward to playing the next game until someone tells me otherwise," Garrett stated.
One tangible effect of Garrett's injuries has been a decrease in his snap count this season. Last year, Garrett was on the field for an impressive 76.46% of the Browns' defensive snaps. This season, however, that number has dipped to 67.18%. This reduction is likely part of a strategy to manage his injuries and keep him effective for the duration of the season.
During Sunday's game against the Giants, Garrett was visibly in pain, doubling over and requiring assistance to walk off the field. Post-game, he was seen limping, a stark reminder of the physical toll the game takes on even its most elite players. Yet, Garrett's resilience and determination remain evident as he continues to push through the pain.
As the Browns prepare for their Week 4 matchup with the Raiders, the question of Garrett's availability looms large. His presence on the field is a significant factor for the Browns' defense. Since the start of the 2021 season, Garrett has missed just one game due to injury, underscoring his usual durability and importance to the team.
Garrett's current predicament exemplifies the brutal reality of professional football, where players often play through significant pain and injuries. For now, Garrett is focused on the present, doing what he can to stay on the field and contribute to his team's success. The Browns and their fans will be hoping for a swift return to full fitness for their star defensive end. The coming weeks will be crucial, not just for Garrett's health but also for the Browns' aspirations this season.