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The Cleveland Browns could have their top pick ready to roll in Week 4.
According to Cleveland.com, Myles Garrett returned to practice Thursday. Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, has missed the first three games due to a high-ankle sprain suffered on Sept. 6.
Not having Garrett has proven costly for the Browns, who are 0-3 with two losses being by three points each. Garrett may be a rookie, but he’s a game-changing prospect who will significantly upgrade Cleveland’s pass rush once he returns.
The Browns have just six sacks in three games entering Week 4, which is tied for 21st in the NFL. Opposing quarterbacks have a combined passer rating of 102.2 vs. the Browns, which ranks 24th.
However, the Bengals have one of the worst offensive lines in football, especially when it comes to sacks allowed. Entering Week 4, Cincinnati has allowed 11 sacks, which is tied for fourth-most in the league.
Garrett ended his college career with 31 career sacks and 141 tackles at Texas A&M. In his final season, he had 15 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks while playing through an ankle injury.
At 6-4 and 272 pounds, Garrett ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine. His combination of size, speed, quickness and agility has led to comparisons to Julius Peppers, who probably will be in Canton someday. Garrett has the potential to make that kind of impact, and while he’s still a raw NFL prospect, he’s an immediate upgrade to Cleveland’s defense.
Make no mistake about it: Garrett playing or sitting in Week 4 could be the difference in this matchup of 0-3 teams looking to turn their seasons around.