Editor's note: Tony Grossi covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR.

Takeaways from Browns practice and interview sessions …

Myles ready: It was at the Wednesday practice before the Pittsburgh opener a year ago when Myles Garrett’s rookie season was impaired by a freak high ankle injury. On the first anniversary of that oh-so-Browns event, Garrett disclosed how much it motivated him in the offseason.

“The best quality is availability,” Garrett said. “Missing those games when my team was out there and they just needed a couple big plays to change the flow at the beginning of the season, that hurt. That did stick with me. It was one of the things that drove me to be in better condition, to be able to go on a longer play count, be on the field more, be stronger, faster, and just come back as a more polished weapon.”

Garrett was watching helplessly upstairs in a private booth in FirstEnergy Stadium when Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown hooked up for a disputed 38-yard catch that essentially secured the 21-18 Steelers win. Big Ben had all day to wait for Brown to run down the middle of the field.

Garrett remembers thinking that situation was the reason he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2017.

“Yeah, that’s why I come in. He’s not able to extend that play [if I’m on the field],” Garrett said. “I don’t think he gets that off and that’s a different game entirely. But that’s last year. We have to make the plays this year.”

Garrett managed seven sacks in 11 games last year, but disclosed after the season he was never 100 percent because of the high ankle injury.

And now?

“Going from injured to healthy, that’s leaps and bounds,” he said. “I’m able to cut better. I’m just better overall. Able to use my strength and able to bounce and use my quickness. So I’ll be able to put that on display.”

Count Josh Gordon among those who expects – no, counts on – Garrett being a difference in this game.

“I think in the crucial part of the game -- and it comes down to 4-5 plays ever game -- I think it’s going to come down to a defensive stop, and I think it’s going to start with 95 off the edge, making some extremely athletic play the likes of which we might never have seen before,” Gordon said.

“I’m excited about it. I know he’s capable of doing it. He showed at practice he’s extremely fast. I’ve never seen a guy that big move that fast. We’re all counting on him to get to the quarterback and make a stop and make a difference.”

JG ready, too: Rest assured that Gordon will be ready to go Sunday, as well.

Gordon’s return to full-go after a 28-day absence was slowed by a tweaked hamstring muscle. But the coaches got him up to speed over the last week and he was all smiles talking about his readiness.

“I’m 100 percent today and I’ll be 100 percent Sunday,” Gordon said.

Gordon does not think the chemistry he formed with quarterback Tyrod Taylor has suffered by his absence.

“We did a lot of working out in the offseason outside of here, away from here on a consistent basis,” he said. “I got a real good feel for where he likes to put the ball on certain routes. I think he has a feel for gauging my speed and where he can anticipate me to be.

“He is really picking up off like exactly where we left off. It seems like there is no hitch in it at all. Even at walkthrough, he is consistent. It is awesome honestly.”

The Haley factor: Taylor said offensive coordinator Todd Haley can be a “very valuable” resource for the Browns in their first meeting against the Steelers since he defected from Pittsburgh.

“Of course, he was with those guys for the past six years,” Taylor said. “He knows the scheme in and out, as well as personnel, but it really boils down to our execution. With all of the knowledge and information thrown to us, if we do not go out there and execute well, then that means nothing.”

Gordon said it should be an emotional game for Haley.

“He hasn’t shown any indication but I can pretty much bank on it’s an intense game for him, an emotional game for him,” Gordon said. “He’s always like that for us but I can only imagine for this one how much more so.”

Haley was replaced in-house by Randy Fichtner, who has been an offensive assistant coach with the Steelers for 12 years. On a conference call, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the value of Haley’s knowledge of his former team.

“You know, I’m sure Gregg Williams is very familiar with us,” Tomlin said of the Browns defensive coordinator. “Gregg has played against us for a long time. I’m sure Todd can confirm things for him, but I’m sure none would be earth shattering to Gregg Williams.”

Brownie bits: Coach Hue Jackson would not disclose his plans at left tackle and left guard. He said he’s still working through it and will announce his decision on Friday after completing the bulk of the practice week. It’s either going to be a Joel Bitonio-Austin Corbett combo or Desmond Harrison-Bitonio … Linebacker James Burgess (concussion) and cornerback E.J. Gaines (knee) were the only players who didn’t practice. “Outside of that we’re a very healthy football team,” Jackson said … Players voted the following as team captains: Taylor, Bitonio, Christian Kirksey, Garrett and Britton Colquitt.