Myles Garrett is determined to keep playing despite several injuries. He is pushing through the pain as usual.
Garrett was back at practice with the Browns on Thursday, and as the current NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he stated that he will play on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, even though he is dealing with injuries to both feet, an Achilles tendon, and his thigh.
“No excuses,” he said. “Just go out there and ball.”
Last week, Garrett struggled during the loss to the New York Giants, and it seemed like his season could be at risk after he had trouble walking following the game. He might have needed some time off to heal.
However, an MRI showed no serious damage, and now Garrett is determined to stay on the field. While he understands that resting might be good, he is not ready to take any breaks.
“Maybe,” he said when asked if extra rest would help. “But that’s what we have a bye week for. So until then, you’re not going to get enough of 95.”
Garrett is the only player to have at least 14 sacks in each of the past three seasons, and he mentioned that he has been told playing won’t cause more harm. He’s willing to skip some practices to get extra treatment.
“I try to spend every moment preparing my body for the rigors of the season and sometimes some bumps and bruises like I have now,” he said. “An injured animal is the fiercest, so I’m going to be at my best.”
In three games, Garrett has two strip sacks, and even though he didn’t record one against Giants quarterback Daniel Jones last week, he was often in the backfield, creating chaos and opening opportunities for his teammates to make big plays.
He had to leave the field for help in the medical tent twice, and Garrett acknowledged that he wasn’t feeling like himself because of his injuries.
“I felt like I was limited,” he said. “But again, I won’t make any excuses for it. That’s just what it is right now. Everyone’s dealing with their own issues, whether physically or mentally. Mine happen to be very apparent.
“So we’re going to get them as right as they can and then I’ll be out there and playing at the best that I can.”
Garrett mentioned that his foot problems are connected to corrective surgery he had when he was younger and “a lot of physical activity from many different sports that have led up to where I am.”
It’s possible that he may need surgery in the future, but right now, Garrett is focused on the upcoming games.
“We’re talking about one game at a time, so make it through this game, see how I feel next and then each one individually,” he said. “We make it to the bye week and then we evaluate, see where we are and we go from there.”
Garrett is not just an elite player; he’s also a huge football fan. Last week, microphones caught him congratulating Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers after a touchdown catch.
This week, Garrett will face Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, who is also one of the best players in the league. Crosby is dealing with an injury and missed some practice due to an ankle sprain.
Garrett admires Oakland’s No. 98 for his relentless effort.
“I like Max,” Garrett said. “There’s no me versus him. I’m sure people make it stat-wise or make some graphics or edits that look like that, but I like his game. I like how he plays. He’s 100% every time he steps on the field.
“I don’t think he comes off the field. So stuff like that I admire from him. I continue to do what I do, watch him when he’s on the field, but when I go out there my mind’s on making it happen for my team and for my defense.”
