:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67723391/1283384621.0.jpg)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett will have an MRI on his injured knee on Monday.
Garrett suffered what the Browns called a knee contusion early in Sunday’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. While he was able to return to the game, his effectiveness was severely limited and his streak of six consecutive games with a sack came to an end.
Myles Garrett has a knee injury and will get an MRI, per Kevin Stefanski
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 1, 2020
In addition to his knee, Garrett was dealing with an ankle injury that kept him off the practice field for two days last week and an undisclosed hand injury that required a numbing shot, according to Marla Ridenour of The Beacon Journal:
#Browns DE Myles Garrett said he took a shot on his knee on one of the first plays & it got worse as game went on. Also when discussing near strip of Carr he said he needed a numbing shot in his hand for something that has been going on. Also has ankle injury.
— Marla Ridenour (@MRidenourABJ) November 1, 2020
So what exactly is a knee contusion and is it something that the Browns and Garrett should be concerned about?
According to sportsinjuryclinic.net, a knee contusion is “bruising caused by direct trauma to muscle, or bone. Whilst most bruised knees are not serious, a very hard impact may result in intense pain and difficulty moving the leg.”
If the injury is considered mild or moderate, then rest, ice, compression and elevation are in order to limit internal bleeding and swelling, according to the website. The Browns are heading into their bye week, so Garrett should have no problem with following those guidelines.
The MRI might just be precautionary to help rule out anything more serious. Even if the exam reveals that Garrett has what is considered a serious knee contusion, the treatment plan is similar, although the recovery may take a bit longer, according to the website:
They may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. Ice should, of course, be applied as soon as possible and continued for at least the first 24 to 48 hours.
Generally, provided there are no other complications, a severe contusion is treated the same as a minor one, but the timescale for healing is much longer.
Stretching and mobility exercises for the quads, hamstrings, groin, and calf may be recommended if some movement is lost.
Sports massage may be beneficial in the later stages, to prepare the muscles for sport and flush out any residual blood clots and other waste products.
Again, the Browns are heading into their bye week, so Garrett will have a decent amount of time to rest up before Cleveland’s next game on November 15 against the Houston Texans.
Garrett and the Browns will know more following the MRI procedure on Monday.