From a health standpoint, Browns rookie defensive end Myles Garrett is miles away from being ready to play.

 

Oh, sure, Garrett, taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, is more than ready to go when it comes to raw ability. And as he matures as a player with time, that ability will become a lot less raw and his production is expected to be something to see.

 

But first he has to get onto the field to do that.

 

And that continues to be a real issue for him.

 

Garrett limped off the field Wednesday during the team’s full-squad mini camp with an disclosed left foot injury. The Browns said they will have an update on his status on Thursday.

 

Everyone at Browns Headquarters is holding their breath as they wait for that news.

 

Indeed, they have a right to be concerned.

 

Garrett reportedly suffered a foot injury during the rookie mini camp.

 

Last season at Texas A&M, he was slowed by a high left ankle sprain.

 

Perhaps Garrett will be OK. Perhaps what is happening now – and happened previously – will all just be veritable speed bumps and won’t slow him down much.

 

Perhaps.

 

Yes, perhaps.

 

The Browns can only hope that’s the case.

 

But in the very least, continuing foot injuries, as they have to be viewed in the here and now, are obviously not a good sign.

 

Not a good sign at all.

 

As former Browns head coach Bill Belichick likes to say in a truism that he learned from his mentor, Bill Parcells, “A player’s greatest ability is his availability.”

 

All the potential in the world – all the talent in the world – isn’t going to mean a thing if a player is unable to play. He isn’t going to help his team standing on the sideline in street clothes or riding the exercise bike or having a reserved table in the trainer’s room, or all three.

 

Stay tuned.

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