NFL reinstates Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett after serving suspension
By Dan Justik
After being suspended indefinitely for swinging a helmet at Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph, the NFL reinstated Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett on Wednesday.
The NFL has reinstated Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett on Wednesday, according to multiple reports, including Tom Withers of the Associated Press, who had the first report. Garrett was serving an indefinite suspension after swinging a helmet at Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Garrett met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about potentially being reinstated from his suspension. There was no timetable set for a decision at the time, and it was unknown if Garrett being reinstated would mean he would be able to play right away during the 2020 season.
At the end of the Cleveland Browns Week 11 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Garrett tackled Rudolph after Rudolph had thrown a pass. As the two players went to the ground, they both started grabbing each others helmet. As they got back to their feet, Garrett had ripped off Rudolph’s helmet. As Garrett was being held back by a Steelers lineman, Rudolph charged after Garrett. Garrett responded by swinging Rudolph’s helmet and hitting Rudolph in the head.
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Days after the completion of the game, it was announced that Garrett would serve an indefinite suspension that would at least keep him from playing the remaining six games of Cleveland’s 2019 season. Garrett needed to meet with Goodell and be reinstated from his suspension before he could return to the field.
The Browns losing Garrett at the end of the 2019 season was truly a detriment to the defense. Cleveland could not generate a pass rush without Garrett in the lineup, allowing offenses to pick apart the Browns in the passing game.
Garrett was on pace to be in contention for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award before being suspended. In 10 games, Garrett compiled 29 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Garrett had three multi-sack games in 2019.
Cleveland having clarity on Garrett’s situation will certainly help their approach to the offseason. Knowing they will have one of their defensive end jobs locked down from the beginning of the season will allow to solely focus on improving the other defensive end position. Had Garrett not been able to play right away in 2020, the Browns may have needed to make an extra move this offseason to address the position while Garrett was off the field.
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The Browns will welcome Garrett back to the team with open arms and will start preparing for the 2020 season. After missing out on playing in the final six games of the season, Garrett will have a chip on his shoulder in 2020 and will want to prove the type of game-breaker he can be.