Myles Garrett is set to make his NFL debut.
The Browns rookie defensive end and first overall pick is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Jets, marking a much-welcomed return to the field. He was not given a status on the team's final injury report after being a limited participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday.
Garrett, who suffered a high ankle sprain days before the season opener, could give Cleveland's defense and, in particular, a struggling pass rush a boost.
"It's exciting not just for myself, but for him and his teammates," head coach Hue Jackson said Friday.
Jackson said earlier this week the Browns will manage Garrett's snaps in an effort to not physically overload him this weekend. "He has been off for quite a while," he said Thursday. "I think we have to be smart about our expectations of him this weekend."
Garrett played sparingly in the preseason but showed flashes of dominance when he did. Jackson stressed he doesn't want to place too much pressure on the youngster.
"Our football team has to play well, but can he help? Yes. He's a really good player," Jackson said, "but we all have to play well. Then he has to do his part in the game and do his job. Hopefully, defensively, we will be able to do what we want to accomplish on defense."
Garrett, whom the Browns view as a potential cornerstone type of player, quickly impressed the Browns with his talent on the field and work ethic off it in training camp.
"He is a really good young man and a pretty good player, too," defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said in August. "I've never had a chance to draft the first -overall pick ever, but I have had some pretty high draft picks. He's the one that has jumped out and fit in faster than any of the other ones, and I have had some really, really good ones."
