NFL could hear Garrett’s appeal early this week

CLEVELAND — Myles Garrett will soon learn when he can play again.

The Cleveland Browns star defensive end, who was suspended indefinitely after the National Football League ruled he used a helmet “as a weapon” to strike Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph in the head, will have his appeal heard by the league early this week, a person familiar with the timeline said Sunday.

Garrett was suspended for at least the final six regular-season games — and the playoffs, if Cleveland qualifies — for his violent outburst in the closing seconds of the Brown’s 21-7 victory over the Steelers on Thursday night.

Per the collective bargaining agreement, Garrett’s appeal must take place before Cleveland’s next game. The league is still finalizing when the hearing will take place.

Garrett wrestled with Rudolph before ripping off his helmet and striking him with it, triggering a melee that also led to the suspensions of Steelers centre Maurkice Pouncey (three games) and Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (one game).

The players’ appeals will be heard by league officers Derrick Brooks and James Thrash, both former players.

Garrett could argue he was provoked, and it’s possible he could have his suspension reduced.

Brooks and Thrash have sided with players in the past, minimizing previous bans in 2017 for former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict and former Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib.