NFL reinstates Garrett after suspension for helmet-swinging incident

The NFL has reinstated Cleveland Browns pass-rusher Myles Garrett following an indefinite suspension, the team announced Wednesday.

Garrett was suspended for the rest of the 2019 season after ripping off Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph's helmet and hitting him in the head with it near the end of a Week 11 contest.

The 24-year-old was required to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell prior to a reinstatement decision, and that meeting took place on Monday. Garrett can now rejoin his team and participate in offseason workouts, which begin in April.

"We welcome Myles back to our organization with open arms," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a team statement. "We know he is grateful to be reinstated, eager to put the past behind him and continue to evolve and grow as a leader. We look forward to having his strong positive presence back as a teammate, player and person in our community."

The Browns went 2-4 following the incident and missed the playoffs. Prior to Week 11, Garrett was enjoying a 10-sack season and was a leading candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

His punishment now amounts to a six-game suspension and a $45,263 fine. The Browns and Steelers were each also fined $250,000 for the melee.

Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey was given a three-game suspension, Cleveland defensive end Larry Ogunjobi drew a one-game ban, and Rudolph earned only a fine.