The Cleveland Browns faced a tough loss at home in Week 3 against the New York Giants, but an even bigger scare came when superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett limped off the field late in the fourth quarter. Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, left the game with a foot injury, raising concerns about his status moving forward.
As Browns fans nervously watched, Garrett headed to the medical tent on the sideline. To their relief, he emerged and eventually returned to action. However, after the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski delivered a concerning update regarding Garrett’s condition.
“Myles Garrett aggravated his foot injury and will undergo an MRI,” reported Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. This update signals the Browns could be without their top defensive weapon for some time, depending on the MRI results.
#Browns Myles Garrett aggravated his foot injury and will undergo an MRI.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 22, 2024
Garrett Has Been Battling Foot Issues All Season
Garrett, who is central to Cleveland’s defensive identity, has been dealing with injuries to both feet throughout the season. The star defender admitted last week that surgery might be necessary after the season to address the lingering issues.
“Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, things will continue to get better until it’s not something that’s bothering me as consistently as it is,” Garrett said in a press conference Friday. His week-to-week routine has involved managing the pain through limited practices.
“It’s still painful,” Garrett added. “I’m just trying to lower the amount of inflammation and manage the pain until Friday. Then I have to get some high-speed reps in so I can be ready for Sunday.”
Garrett’s comments emphasize how much the Browns have relied on him despite his ongoing injuries. With five sacks through the first two games, his presence on the field is invaluable to a Browns defense that has otherwise struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
What’s Next for Garrett and the Browns?
While the extent of Garrett’s injury remains unclear, the Browns are already dealing with a difficult 1-2 start to the 2024 season. Losing their defensive anchor for any extended period could spell trouble for a team trying to find consistency on both sides of the ball.
If Garrett misses time, Cleveland will likely lean on players like Za’Darius Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo to pick up the slack in their pass rush. But replacing a player of Garrett’s caliber is no easy task. The Browns’ defensive identity is built around his game-changing ability to disrupt offenses, and his potential absence could put extra pressure on a secondary that has been inconsistent this year.
As Garrett prepares for his MRI, the entire Browns fanbase will be holding its breath. A serious injury could have a profound impact on the trajectory of the Browns’ season, and the team’s playoff aspirations could hinge on how quickly Garrett can recover.
For now, the Browns await the results, hoping that their star defender can fight through the pain once again and continue to lead their defense.
