Myles Garrett's Injury Struggles Could Impact Browns' Season
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett continues to navigate a difficult path, dealing with a series of injuries that have visibly impacted his on-field performance. Garrett, the cornerstone of the Browns' defense, has been plagued by issues involving both his feet, leading to a consistent cycle of pain and compensation that has reduced his effectiveness this season.
Garrett recently underwent an MRI to assess the extent of his injuries, and while the results were clean, the physical toll on his body remains a pressing concern. The 27-year-old star has been managing multiple ailments, as head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged, specifically pointing to Achilles and thigh injuries that have compounded his difficulties.
“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,” Garrett explained.
The injury woes reached a point where Garrett missed practice on Wednesday, an unusual step for the typically durable defensive end. Since the start of the 2021 season, Garrett has only missed one game due to injury, emphasizing his resilience and importance to the team. Yet, his current status is now listed as "day to day," raising questions about his availability and effectiveness in upcoming games.
Garrett's reduced participation this season is notable. For context, he was on the field for 76.46% of the Browns' defensive snaps last year. This season, that number has dropped to 67.18%. This reduction has had clear repercussions for the Browns' defense, particularly in recent games against the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars, where Garrett's presence was noticeably limited.
During the Week 3 loss to the New York Giants, Garrett could be seen massaging his feet on the sidelines and required attention in the medical tent. Such scenes underscore the ongoing battles he faces and the impact they have on his contributions to the team.
Despite these setbacks, Garrett maintains a determined and positive outlook. “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,” he stated.
Ensuring Garrett has the necessary time to heal will be pivotal for the Browns as the season progresses. The team’s medical staff will need to take a cautious approach to manage his recovery effectively. Garrett's capacity to play at his peak is critical for the Browns' defensive fortunes, making it essential that he avoids further aggravation of his injuries.
The implications of Garrett's reduced role are significant. His absence or limited capacity would present substantial challenges for the Browns, who rely heavily on his prowess as a pass rusher and disruptor. The defense could struggle to maintain its intensity and effectiveness, potentially altering the outcomes of crucial matchups as the season unfolds.
Garrett's dedication to his recovery, combined with the medical team’s vigilant approach, will be essential in navigating this challenging period. His resilience and commitment to playing through pain reflect his leadership and the high expectations placed upon him. How well Garrett and the Browns manage his injuries will likely be a determining factor in their pursuit of success this season.