Myles Garrett's Injury Struggles Weigh on Cleveland Browns' Defense
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has faced significant obstacles this season as he continues to grapple with persistent injuries. Amid recurring issues in both feet, Garrett recently underwent an MRI. Although the results were clean, his current physical state remains a concern for the team.
"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," Garrett explained. "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."
These injury woes have had a palpable impact on Garrett's performance on the field. His appearances have dramatically decreased this season, with his snap count seeing a significant reduction. Last year, Garrett was involved in 76.46% of the Browns' defensive plays. This season, that figure has dropped to 67.18%, illustrating his limited participation.
In recent games against the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars, Garrett's presence was notably diminished, contributing fewer defensive snaps than usual. "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 maintained with a pragmatic outlook.
During the Week 3 loss to the Giants, Garrett could be seen massaging his feet on the sidelines and requiring attention from the medical tent. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the formidable challenge at hand, stating that Garrett is managing both Achilles and thigh injuries. As a precaution, Garrett was held out of Wednesday's practice.
Despite these setbacks, Garrett has missed only one game due to injury since the start of the 2021 season, a testament to his resilience and determination. His current status remains "day to day," which introduces a level of uncertainty but also highlights his relentless pursuit to be on the field.
The Browns' defensive structure has certainly felt the repercussions of Garrett's reduced involvement. His absence or limited capacity introduces significant challenges for a defense that heavily relies on his exceptional skill set. Ensuring that Garrett has the necessary time to heal and return to peak form will be pivotal as the season progresses.
The team's medical staff will need to adopt a cautious approach, balancing the urgency of the team's needs with Garrett's long-term health. His determination and positive outlook will be key not only to his own recovery but also to the Browns' defensive fortunes this season.
The careful management of Garrett's injuries will be essential for the Browns as they strive to navigate the choppy waters of the current season. For now, Myles Garrett remains an emblem of endurance and dedication for the Browns, underscoring the intricate balance of athleticism, health, and performance in the NFL.