Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is facing a challenging time as he navigates through injuries on both of his feet. Garrett underwent an MRI on Monday following a re-aggravation of his existing foot issues during Sunday's game against the New York Giants. Thankfully, the MRI results came back clean.
In the Browns’ Week 3 loss, Garrett had to visit the medical tent and work closely with trainers. While he managed to return to the game, his condition remains a concern, with head coach Kevin Stefanski declaring him "day to day." The star player hinted at the possibility of needing a procedure "further down the line," though the specifics of such a procedure remain unclear. For now, Garrett's plan is to keep playing.
Impact on Playing Time
The ongoing foot injuries have certainly taken a toll on Garrett’s participation this season. He has seen a reduction in his snap count, particularly evident in matches against the Cowboys and Jaguars. Despite his effort to stay on the field, he often had to tend to his injured feet, massaging them on the sidelines. Last season, Garrett was on the field for 76.46% of the Browns' defensive snaps. This year, that number has dropped to 67.18%.
Garrett's visibly painful condition was apparent as he doubled over and needed assistance walking off the field during Sunday's game. Additionally, he was seen limping post-game, underscoring the severity of his discomfort.
A Physical and Mental Struggle
"It's more than just the foot," Garrett explained. "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."
Such candidness about his struggles highlights the complex nature of his injuries. The physical pain is compounded by the frustration of not being able to fully recover, creating a vicious cycle of compensation and further injury.
Looking ahead, the Browns have a matchup with the Raiders in Week 4. Garrett’s status during practice throughout the week will be crucial in determining his availability for the game. Since the start of the 2021 season, he has missed just one game due to injury, showcasing his resilience and determination to stay on the field.
Despite the uncertainty, Garrett remains focused on the present. "I'm not concerned about something I don't know about," he said about the possibility of missing time. "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's fortitude and commitment to the game are palpable, even as he faces daunting physical challenges. His ability to manage pain and perform at an elite level underscores why he remains a pivotal player for the Browns. Fans and the team alike will be closely monitoring his progress, hopeful for a return to full strength and witnessing his impactful presence on the field once again.