Cleveland Browns fans can now heave a sigh of relief after the team announced that their top overall pick, defensive end Myles Garrett, has been diagnosed with just a lateral foot sprain and is anticipated to be in top form come training camp. According to the Browns’ Twitter account, Garrett’s injury was determined after he was evaluated by the team’s head physician, Dr. James Voos of University Hospitals. The rookie was also examined by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson of OrthoCarolina.
The Browns’ statement indicated that Garrett has been “diagnosed with a lateral foot sprain.
He is expected to be ready for training camp.” Garrett sustained the injury during Wednesday’s minicamp as he attempted to sack quarterback Brock Osweiler. He was seen limping off the field and didn’t practice Thursday. On Friday, he was seen at Cleveland Hopkins Airport wearing a walking boot.
Garrett signs his fully guaranteed rookie contract
Last month, Garrett signed his rookie contract with the Browns – a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $30.4 million, including $20.25 million signing bonus and includes offset language. The contract comes with a team option for a fifth year. Garrett was selected No.1 overall by the Browns after an outstanding college career at Texas A&M where he tallied 31 sacks, 47 tackles for loss and forced seven fumbles.
The 6-foot-4, 272-pound Garrett s expected to boost the Browns’ pass rush, with the help of new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Garrett’s work and demeanor during training camp has earned praises from veteran Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas, who was impressed by the rookie’s willingness to learn and his humbleness.
Browns boost defense by acquiring Calvin Pryor
The Browns added a key piece to their defense by acquiring safety Calvin Pryor from the New York Jets. The Jets traded Pryor, their 2014 first-round pick, for linebacker Demario Davis. Cleveland executive vice president of football operations Sashi brown called Pryor as a “young, experienced safety that has upside".
Last season, Pryor started 15 games for the, tallying 43 solo tackles and adding six passes defended and a forced fumble. Davis, for his part, started 15 games for Cleveland last year with two sacks and 59 solo tackles.
The Browns also signed young linebacker Christian Kirksey to a four-year, $38 million extension with $20 million in guaranteed money. Last season, Kirksey tallied 148 tackles and 2.5 sacks as an inside linebacker. Now, Kirksey is expected to man the weak outside spot under the 4-3 scheme created by Williams. Kirksey was a third-round pick in 2014, the year the Browns drafted quarterback Johnny Manziel and cornerback Justin Gilbert.
