CLEVELAND — After meeting with NFL representatives Monday, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is expected to reinstated, according to News 5 media partner Akron Beacon Journal.
Garrett met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Monday about his reinstatement, the report said.
During an on-field brawl during the Browns-Steelers game in November, Garrett ripped the helmet off Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and swung it at him, hitting him in the head. The NFL indefinitely suspended Garrett for his action, putting him out for the last six games of the season.
While there is no timetable for Garrett’s return, NFL reps said shortly after the suspension was issued that they did not expect Garrett to miss any games this season, granted he has completed all of the stipulations that were required of him, including counseling, according to NFL’s Ian Rapoport.
The expectation is that #Browns pass-rusher Myles Garrett will be reinstated, sources have said, provided he completed the back end of all that was required — including counseling. No firm word from the NFL on when he’s officially back, though nothing is said to be coming today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 10, 2020
Garrett’s suspension ended the 24-year-old’s season and was a major blow for the Browns. They went 2-4 in the final six games without their sacks leader and finished 6-10.
Once Garrett is cleared, he’ll be able to take part in the Browns’ offseason program under new coach Kevin Stefanski. Garrett was allowed back at the Browns’ facility toward the end of the season to rehab an injury.
The No. 1 overall pick in 2017, Garrett has had an exemplary record since joining the league, and his actions toward Rudolph were uncharacteristic. He appealed his suspension, but it was upheld by independent officer James Thrash despite Garrett’s allegation that Rudolph used a racial slur.
Garrett’s attack on Rudolph came after the two wrestled on the field as the Browns were closing out a rare win over their AFC North rival, and it touched off a brawl involving several other players.
Steelers guard Maurkice Pouncey received a three-game suspension — it was later reduced to two — for hitting and kicking Garrett, and Browns defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi got a one-game ban for shoving a helmet-less Rudolph to the ground.
The league also fined the Browns and Steelers $250,000 apiece and handed out penalties to players for leaving the bench area and coming onto the field.
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