Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett Faces Persistent Injury Struggles
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is dealing with ongoing injury issues that are affecting his performance on the field. Despite an MRI on Monday yielding clean results, Garrett's concerns about his various injuries remain at the forefront for both him and the team.
The all-pro defensive star has been particularly plagued by problems with both feet. "It's more than just the foot. It's multiple things going on," Garrett shared. "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."
This cycle of compensating for one injury only to aggravate another has had a significant impact on Garrett's field presence and performance. He has seen a reduced snap count this season, a notable decline from his participation last year. In the previous season, Garrett was on the field for 76.46% of the Browns' defensive plays, but this year, his participation has dropped to 67.18%. This decrease in his on-field time was particularly evident in recent games against the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars, where Garrett's defensive contributions were notably limited.
During the Browns' Week 3 loss to the Giants, Garrett's struggle was visibly apparent as he could be seen massaging his feet on the sidelines and needing attention in the medical tent. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the issues, revealing that Garrett is managing both Achilles and thigh injuries.
Despite these challenges, Garrett remains optimistic about his participation in upcoming games. "I'm not concerned about something I don't know about," he stated. "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 injuries have not only affected his personal stats but have also had repercussions for the Browns' defense as a whole. His absence or limited capacity on the field presents significant challenges for the team. Garrett has been a consistent presence, missing just one game due to injury since the start of the 2021 season. His mechanical blend of speed and power, typically a game-changing element for the Browns, has been sorely missed in its full potency.
The Browns have exercised caution in managing Garrett's condition, keeping him out of Wednesday practices to allow him more time to recover. The team's medical staff recognizes the importance of a cautious approach to ensure that Garrett can heal adequately as the season progresses. Preserving his health will be pivotal for the Browns as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
Garrett's determination to overcome these hurdles and his positive outlook remain crucial not just for his own recovery, but for the Browns' defensive aspirations this season. As he battles through these persistent injuries, the Browns continue to rely on his leadership and presence, hoping that he can return to his game-changing form.