Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett continues to grapple with persistent injuries that have plagued him since the start of the season. Garrett, who has been dealing with issues in both feet, underwent an MRI on Monday after re-aggravating the problem during Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Fortunately, the MRI results came back clean, but the injuries remain a concern.
Injuries Affecting Performance
Garrett's struggles have significantly impacted his performance on the field, as evidenced by his reduced snap count this season. In their recent games against the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars, his contribution on the defensive side was notably limited. This continues a trend that has seen Garrett take fewer defensive snaps compared to the previous season. Last year, Garrett was on the field for 76.46% of the Browns' defensive plays; this season, that number has dipped to 67.18%.
The star defensive end's ailments were visibly troubling as he could be seen massaging his feet on the sidelines and needing attention in the medical tent during the Week 3 loss to the Giants. Despite returning to the game, Garrett remained visibly affected, often limping and showing signs that his condition may have deteriorated over time.
Working Through the Pain
Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that Garrett is managing Achilles and thigh injuries that developed during the game against the Giants. The coach’s decision to keep Garrett out of Wednesday's practice underscores the importance of allowing the defensive end some time to recover. However, Garrett’s resilience and determination to play through pain are evident. "It's more than just the foot. It's multiple things going on," said Garrett. "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."
Looking Ahead
Despite these setbacks, Garrett remains hopeful about his prospects of playing in the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. His mindset is clear as he focuses on moving forward and not dwelling on the uncertainties surrounding his condition. "I'm not concerned about something I don't know about. So, get the results and move from there," Garrett stated. "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's indomitable spirit has been a cornerstone of his career. Since the start of the 2021 season, he has missed just one game due to injury, showcasing his toughness and commitment to the team. Nevertheless, his current status remains "day to day," and it is critical for the Browns to monitor his health throughout the week to make an informed decision about his availability for Week 4.
Impact on the Browns
Garrett’s reduced participation has undoubtedly had repercussions for the Browns' defense. When healthy, he is a formidable force, capable of transforming games with his pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. The team relies heavily on his ability to disrupt offensive plays, and his absence or limited capacity could present significant challenges for the Browns as they prepare for their clash with the Raiders.
Given Garrett's crucial role and the persistent nature of his injuries, the team’s medical staff will need to employ a cautious approach. Ensuring that he has the necessary time to heal and not exacerbate his conditions will be pivotal as the season progresses.
As Garrett continues to battle through these adversities, his determination and positive outlook will be key not only to his own recovery but also to the Browns' defensive fortunes this season. His journey from this point will be closely followed, with fans and teammates alike hoping for a swift and complete recovery.