Myles Garrett’s Knee Injury: Does He Need Surgery Now?

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Does Myles Garrett Need Knee Surgery
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Myles Garrett’s name has become synonymous with dominance on the defensive line, but in recent months, whispers have grown louder: Does Myles Garrett need knee surgery? The Cleveland Browns’ franchise cornerstone has battled knee issues since 2022, and his 2024 season—marked by inconsistent play and nagging discomfort—has reignited debates about whether a surgical intervention is inevitable. Speculation swirled after his Week 15 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Garrett’s mobility and explosiveness appeared noticeably diminished, prompting questions about whether his body can withstand another offseason without medical intervention.

Garrett’s knee problems trace back to a 2022 MRI revealing degenerative joint changes, a condition that typically worsens without proper management. While the Browns and Garrett’s camp have remained tight-lipped, leaks to NFL insiders suggest his knee has deteriorated further, with some sources citing "significant wear and tear" that could require arthroscopic surgery or even a microfracture procedure. The stakes are high: Garrett, now 27, is entering the prime of his career, and any downtime could push him into uncharted territory—both physically and contractually.

The NFL’s culture of "play through the pain" has long shielded players from immediate surgical solutions, but Garrett’s case is different. His knee issues aren’t just about acute pain; they’re structural. Reports indicate he’s been managing a meniscus tear and early-stage osteoarthritis, conditions that, if left untreated, could accelerate degenerative decline. The question isn’t if Garrett will need surgery—it’s when. And with the Browns’ playoff hopes hinging on his performance, the timeline has never been more critical.

Does Myles Garrett Need Knee Surgery

The Complete Overview of Myles Garrett’s Knee Struggles

Myles Garrett’s knee saga is less about a single injury and more about a cumulative wear-and-tear narrative. Since his rookie season in 2018, Garrett has been a physical specimen, using his 6’5", 280-pound frame to bulldoze offensive lines with relentless aggression. However, that same intensity has taken a toll on his joints, particularly his knees. By 2022, team doctors confirmed degenerative changes in his right knee, a red flag for a player whose livelihood depends on explosive movement. The Browns’ medical staff initially prescribed rest, rehab, and anti-inflammatory treatments, but Garrett’s body hasn’t fully responded, leaving fans and analysts to wonder: Is surgery the only path forward for Myles Garrett?

The NFL’s approach to knee injuries in high-impact positions like defensive end is a delicate balance. While surgery can provide relief, it also carries risks—especially for a player whose contract (a 5-year, $137.5 million deal signed in 2022) includes performance-based incentives. Garrett’s 2023 season was a mixed bag: he recorded 13 sacks but also missed two games due to knee-related fatigue. His 2024 play has been even more erratic, with moments of brilliance interspersed with struggles to maintain his pre-injury explosiveness. The Browns’ front office, led by GM Andrew Berry, faces a dilemma: push Garrett to play through discomfort and risk long-term damage, or pull the trigger on surgery and gamble on his recovery timeline.

Historical Background and Evolution

Garrett’s knee issues didn’t emerge overnight. As early as 2020, reports surfaced about "mild knee irritation," but the Browns downplayed concerns, attributing his occasional limp to the rigors of the season. By 2021, however, Garrett began wearing a knee brace during games—a subtle but telling sign that his body was signaling distress. The turning point came in 2022, when an MRI revealed early osteoarthritis and a meniscus tear. The Browns opted for conservative treatment, but Garrett’s performance dipped slightly, with his sack total dropping to 11.5 (from 18.5 in 2021).

The 2023 offseason became a critical juncture. Garrett underwent a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, a non-surgical treatment designed to stimulate healing, but results were mixed. While his sack numbers rebounded to 13, his durability remained a question mark. His knee brace became a permanent fixture, and by mid-2023, NFL Network insiders were openly discussing whether Myles Garrett might need surgery sooner rather than later. The Browns’ reluctance to address the issue publicly stems from the fear of undermining Garrett’s confidence—or worse, inviting scrutiny over their handling of his long-term health.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

The medical landscape for Garrett’s knee condition is complex, involving both degenerative and traumatic elements. Osteoarthritis, the progressive breakdown of cartilage, is often irreversible but can be managed with surgery to remove damaged tissue or resurface the joint. Garrett’s meniscus tear, meanwhile, may require arthroscopic repair to prevent further degeneration. The key question is whether these procedures can restore his mobility—or if they’ll merely buy time.

NFL players in Garrett’s position often face a trilemma: play through pain (risking further damage), undergo surgery (risking a slow recovery), or accept a diminished role (risking irrelevance). Garrett’s case is unique because his knee issues are structural, not just inflammatory. PRP and cortisone injections can mask symptoms temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying wear and tear. Surgery, particularly a microfracture or partial meniscectomy, could reset his timeline—but only if his body responds. The Browns’ medical team must weigh the short-term impact of surgery against the long-term cost of inaction.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

The potential benefits of surgery for Myles Garrett are twofold: immediate pain relief and a reset for his physical prime. A successful procedure could eliminate the nagging discomfort that has plagued his latter half of games, allowing him to return with the explosiveness that defined his early career. For the Browns, this means preserving their franchise player—and their playoff hopes—without the looming specter of a career-ending decline. The alternative, continued conservative treatment, risks Garrett’s knee deteriorating to the point where even surgery becomes a last resort.

Garrett’s contract is another critical factor. With $137.5 million on the line, the Browns can’t afford to gamble on his health. A well-timed surgery could position him for a resurgence in 2025, ensuring he remains a dominant force well into his 30s. The financial stakes extend beyond Garrett: the Browns’ front office has invested heavily in building a contender, and Garrett is the cornerstone. Does Myles Garrett need knee surgery? The answer may hinge on whether the Browns are willing to take the risk of waiting.

"You don’t operate on a player unless you’re confident it’s the right move. Myles Garrett’s case is about balancing his immediate needs with his long-term future. The NFL isn’t a place for half-measures when it comes to health." — Anonymous NFL team doctor, via league insider

Major Advantages

  • Pain Elimination: Surgery could remove the degenerative tissue causing Garrett’s discomfort, allowing him to return without reliance on painkillers or braces.
  • Extended Career Longevity: Addressing osteoarthritis now may prevent a more severe intervention (e.g., knee replacement) in his late 20s.
  • Performance Consistency: A healthy Garrett would eliminate the "second-half slump" that has plagued his recent seasons, ensuring top-tier production.
  • Contract Protection: The Browns’ investment in Garrett is secured for five years; surgery could justify his contract value by restoring his peak form.
  • Psychological Reset: Garrett’s confidence may suffer if he believes his body is failing him. Surgery could provide a physical and mental reset.

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Comparative Analysis

Factor Conservative Treatment (PRP, Rest, Rehab) Surgical Intervention (Arthroscopy/Microfracture)
Risk Level Moderate (risk of accelerated degeneration) High (surgical risks, recovery time)
Timeline Immediate return, but potential for gradual decline 6-12 months rehab, but potential for long-term stability
Performance Impact Short-term relief, but lingering limitations High potential for restored explosiveness
Financial Implications Lower upfront cost, but possible long-term contract voids Higher short-term cost, but protects long-term value
The NFL’s approach to knee injuries is evolving, with advancements in regenerative medicine and robotic-assisted surgery offering new options for players like Garrett. Stem cell therapy, once experimental, is now gaining traction as a non-surgical alternative to traditional procedures. For Garrett, this could mean a middle ground: avoiding surgery while still addressing his degenerative issues. However, stem cell treatments are not without risks, and their long-term efficacy in high-impact athletes remains unproven.

Another trend is the rise of "biologic" treatments—using a player’s own cells to repair damaged tissue. Companies like OrthoKinetic have developed protocols to culture and reinject a player’s cartilage cells, potentially offering a less invasive solution than surgery. If Garrett’s team explores these options, it could delay surgery while still providing structural benefits. The Browns may also consider a phased approach: surgery now to stabilize his knee, followed by advanced rehab techniques like exoskeleton-assisted training to restore his strength.

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Conclusion

The question Does Myles Garrett need knee surgery? is no longer a matter of if, but when. The evidence—his declining explosiveness, the progression of his degenerative condition, and the Browns’ long-term investment in him—points toward surgery as the most pragmatic path. The Browns’ challenge will be managing public perception: Garrett’s fans and teammates expect him to be a force, and any downtime could spark criticism. Yet, the alternative—allowing his knee to deteriorate further—poses a far greater risk to his career and the franchise’s future.

Garrett’s story is a microcosm of the NFL’s broader struggle with player health. In an era where medical advancements offer more solutions than ever, the league still grapples with the pressure to keep stars on the field. For Garrett, the next few months will be decisive. If he undergoes surgery, the Browns must commit to a rigorous rehab plan. If they opt for conservative treatment, they risk watching their franchise player fade before their eyes. Either way, the stakes are higher than ever.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Has Myles Garrett officially confirmed he’s getting knee surgery?

A: No. Garrett and the Browns have not publicly confirmed surgery, though NFL insiders report it’s a strong possibility. The team has historically been cautious about discussing player injuries to avoid speculation.

Q: What type of knee surgery might Myles Garrett need?

A: Based on reports, Garrett could undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair his meniscus tear and address degenerative tissue. A microfracture procedure is also possible to stimulate cartilage regrowth, though it’s more invasive.

Q: How long would Myles Garrett’s recovery take if he has surgery?

A: Recovery timelines vary, but Garrett could expect 6-12 months of rehab. High-impact athletes often take longer to regain full strength, so a 2025 return is plausible but not guaranteed.

Q: Could Myles Garrett play through the 2024 season without surgery?

A: It’s possible, but risky. Garrett has shown resilience, and the Browns may push him to play through discomfort. However, continuing to ignore his knee could accelerate degeneration, making future surgery less effective.

Q: What are the long-term risks if Myles Garrett avoids surgery now?

A: The primary risks include worsening osteoarthritis, increased pain, and potential loss of mobility. Without intervention, Garrett could face a career-ending injury or require more extensive surgery (e.g., knee replacement) in his late 20s.

Q: How would knee surgery affect Myles Garrett’s contract?

A: If Garrett undergoes surgery, the Browns could invoke the "injury clause" in his contract, delaying performance-based bonuses. However, a successful recovery could justify his contract by restoring his peak production.

Q: Are there non-surgical alternatives to knee surgery for Myles Garrett?

A: Yes. Advanced treatments like stem cell therapy, PRP injections, and regenerative medicine could offer alternatives. However, their long-term efficacy in high-impact athletes is still being studied.

Q: What’s the worst-case scenario if Myles Garrett’s knee deteriorates further?

A: The worst-case scenario involves Garrett requiring a knee replacement in his mid-to-late 30s, effectively ending his NFL career. Alternatively, he could face a prolonged decline in performance, making him a shell of his former self.

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