CLEVELAND (AP) - Cleveland Browns rookie defensive end Myles Garrett might be close to making his NFL debut.
The top overall pick in this year’s draft has missed Cleveland’s first two games because of a high right-ankle sprain sustained earlier this month, but coach Hue Jackson has not yet ruled him out of this week’s game at Indianapolis.
The Browns are listing Garrett as “doubtful” against the Colts.
Garrett made significant progress this week after hurting his ankle during practice Sept. 6, and Jackson said Friday that the 21-year-old “is getting closer” to playing. While it remains a possibility that Garrett could play in his first regular-season game this week, it’s more likely the Browns will play it safe and sit him.
“We will be cautious with him,” Jackson said. “We will make the best decision here very shortly after we know more, see more and go from there.”
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Garrett has stressed he won’t come back too early. He missed two games during his junior season at Texas A&M, pushed himself to return and then didn’t play up to his standards.
Garrett had an impressive training camp and exhibition season, and the Browns are eager to add him to their vastly improved defense.
During the window that practice was open to reporters on Thursday, Garrett jogged a bit on the side. Jackson said Garrett “did some things” during Friday’s workout but would not elaborate.
The Browns (0-2) will be without starting linebacker Jamie Collins this week after he sustained a concussion in last week’s loss at Baltimore. James Burgess Jr. will start in Collins’ spot and Jackson is confident he’ll contribute.
“He has made plays. He has a sack. He has made tackles. He has gotten his hands on balls,” Jackson said of Burgess, who had two tackles and a sack last week. “He knows how to play within our system, and we trust him. He is accountable and does the things we ask him to do. I think he will go make plays when given the opportunity.”
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