Myles Garrett will take the field Sunday with history firmly within reach as the Cleveland Browns close their season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
A brief appearance on the injury report earlier this week created momentary uncertainty, but the league’s most dominant pass rusher has been cleared and remains on track to chase one of the most coveted defensive records in NFL history.
Garrett was listed Thursday with a hip issue and followed with two limited practices, a development that raised eyebrows given Cleveland’s growing list of injuries.
By Friday, however, the concern had faded. Garrett was removed from the injury report entirely and is expected to play without restriction, preserving his chance to etch his name into the record books.
The stakes are significant. Garrett enters the finale with 22.0 sacks, placing him half a sack shy of tying the NFL single-season record and one sack away from claiming it outright.
According to Pro Football Reference, only a handful of players have ever reached that threshold, underscoring the magnitude of what Garrett could accomplish in a single afternoon. Beyond sacks, his league-leading 32 tackles for loss highlight a season defined by relentless disruption.
Cleveland’s coaching staff has consistently emphasized managing workloads late in the year, but league observers from ESPN and NFL Network have noted that milestone pursuits often override caution when history is on the line.
Garrett‘s presence alone alters game plans, and Cincinnati will be forced to account for him on every snap.
Browns short-handed Despite Garrett’s availability
While Garrett‘s status brings optimism, Cleveland will be without several key contributors. Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger has been ruled out with quad and ankle injuries, a significant blow to a defense that has relied heavily on his instincts and range.
Schwesinger has emerged as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, compiling 156 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Analysts from The Athletic have praised his rapid development and leadership, making his absence especially notable.
Tight end Harold Fannin will also miss the contest due to a groin injury, thinning an offense already navigating inconsistency. Veteran tight end David Njoku remains sidelined with knee and personal issues, while linebacker Winston Reid will not play because of a back injury.
Several starters carry question marks into Sunday. Cornerback Myles Harden is dealing with a shoulder issue, guard Teven Jenkins continues concussion protocol, and center Kingsley Eguakun is managing knee and shoulder ailments. Their availability will likely be determined during pregame evaluations.
On the positive side, Cleveland expects a long list of contributors to suit up. Defensive tackles Mason Graham and Shelby Harris are set to play through knee and toe issues.
Running back Dylan Sampson, tight end Brendan Bates, and guard Joel Bitonio all avoided injury designations. In the secondary, Tyson Campbell and Grant Delpit are expected to be active, while quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been cleared despite back and finger concerns.
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