Brown’s Garrett is back in training after his car accident

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Myles Garrett took a high step through the stretch, turned and winked at the cameras that capture his every move.

Nine days after he walked away from the car crash, Garrett seemed excited to be back practicing with the Browns.

Cleveland’s All-Pro linebacker returned to the field Wednesday for the first time since suffering multiple injuries when he lost control at speed, drove off the road and flipped his Porsche.

Garrett did not play in Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons while he recovers from a dislocated shoulder, strained biceps, cuts, bruises and a broken blood vessel in his eye suffered in the Sept. 26 crash.

Garrett was thankful that he and the female passenger escaped more serious injury. Brown is glad he’s close to playing.

“It’s good to have Miles even in the passing game, just to have him in the presence and in the huddles,” coach Kevin Stefanski said before practice. “He’s a big part of what we do, so good to have him back. I haven’t seen him practice yet. He worked, obviously, on the side. But today I watch training and feel where he is.”

It’s too early to know if Garrett, who had a sleeve on his right arm, will play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. But the 26-year-old looked ready during a portion of Wednesday’s training session open to members of the media.

Without Garrett and quarterback Jadeveon Clowney, who missed his second straight game with an ankle injury suffered on Sept. 18, the Browns lacked a strong pass rush against the Falcons. Atlanta also ran the ball at will, gaining 202 yards.

“They’re both really good run and pass players,” Stefanski said. “When you play run defense and you hit people and you establish a lead and sometimes you establish a lead so somebody else can make a play. Both of those guys are good at it.”

Clowney continues to stay away. Stefanski said he hopes the three-time Pro Bowler will practice this week.

Pro guard Joel Bitonio (biceps/rest), tight end Harrison Bryant (illness), wide receiver Amari Cooper (rest) and tight end David Njoku (knee/rest) were held out of practice.

Cleveland’s defense returned cornerback Griddy Williams, who missed the first four games with a hamstring injury.