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Cleveland Browns have raised fresh concerns ahead of their crucial Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, with superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett appearing on the injury report at a pivotal moment in the season. As Garrett closes in on NFL history, his health has become a major storyline heading into the regular-season finale.
Garrett added to injury report late in the week
Garrett was listed on Browns’ injury report Thursday with a hip injury and was limited during practice. The update marks a rare health concern for the Defensive Player of the Year favorite, who has largely avoided injury throughout the season.
Prior appearances on the injury report in recent weeks were attributed to non-injury-related rest rather than physical setbacks.
While Cleveland Browns have not disclosed the full extent of the hip issue, indications suggest the injury is not expected to sideline Myles Garrett for Sunday’s clash.
However, it does raise questions about whether he will be operating at full capacity against a Bengals offense well aware of his game-changing presence.
History within reach in week 18
Garrett enters the Bengals game with 22 sacks, sitting just half a sack shy of the NFL single-season record shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. The milestone adds another layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes divisional matchup.
Cleveland Browns star was held without a sack in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as opposing protections were heavily designed to neutralize his impact.
Reflecting on that game plan, Myles Garrett said after the win, “I mean, to an extent. I feel like they were more worried about keeping me away from Aaron [Rodgers] than getting the win, and I think that’s what came back to bite him.”
Commitment followed by elite production
Garrett’s dominant season comes after a turbulent offseason in which he requested a trade in hopes of joining a contender. That uncertainty was resolved when he recommitted to Cleveland, signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the franchise.
Rather than easing off after securing his future, Garrett has elevated his performance even further, producing one of the most impactful stretches of his career. His ability to disrupt games has been central to Cleveland’s defensive identity and playoff push.
Browns hope Myles Garrett can push through
As Cleveland prepares for the Bengals, all eyes will be on Garrett’s availability and effectiveness. Even at less than 100 percent, his presence alone alters game plans.
Whether the hip issue limits him or not, Cleveland Browns will once again rely on their defensive cornerstone in a matchup that could define both the season and Myles Garrett’s place in NFL history.
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