The Cleveland Browns got themselves a potential defensive game-changer in No. 1 pick Myles Garrett, but he can’t be a difference-maker if he can’t stay on the field.
The Cleveland Browns naturally have high expectations for pass-rusher and No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett. He’s expected to lead the team’s charge against opposing quarterbacks and to be the anchor of the new-look defensive front. However, Garrett cannot possibly meet expectations if he cannot stay on the field. This is why his recent foot injury is cause for concern.
Garrett missed the final day of minicamp with a foot injury and was later spotted in a walking boot, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Garrett battled through an ankle injury during his final season at Texas A&M. The fact he suffered another lower-leg injury in his first minicamp with the Browns could raise alarm in the minds of fans.
It’s not like Browns fans haven’t seen their team’s first-round picks injured as rookies before. Wideout Corey Coleman dealt with a broken hand just last season. Tight end Kellen Winslow suffered a broken leg back in his rookie season. Wideout Braylon Edwards dealt with a staph infection and a knee injury during his rookie season of 2005. Heck, rookie cornerback Howard Wilson suffered a broken kneecap within weeks of being drafted.
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Fans probably wouldn’t be a bit surprised if their team’s latest talented rookie missed significant time. Those who have been fans of this franchise long enough seem to just expect the worst. So, sure, it’s disheartening to hear that Garrett has already been injured.
However, Browns fans should also realize that it would be silly to panic over the injury in June. It’s June!
Garrett is in a walking boot, not in a cast and on crutches. While the Browns haven’t given an official statement on the injury, this almost certainly means it’s a sprain and nothing more significant.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, a source has indicated that the Browns believe Garrett will be fine”
The belief is #Browns 1st overall pick Myles Garrett is "fine," source said. Garrett went down with a foot injury yesterday & sat out today
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 15, 2017
Update: Saturday, June 17, 5:22 p.m. ET
Myles Garrett has been diagnosed with a lateral foot sprain. He is expected to be ready for training camp. pic.twitter.com/CztLnHldkm
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 17, 2017
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Garrett has plenty of time to heal before even the preseason, and a freak incident in minicamp doesn’t mean he’s injury-prone. Fans can relax for now. If another injury creeps up in training camp, that could be a different story.