CLEVELAND, Ohio — When Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow announced he was undergoing surgery for turf toe, it unexpectedly provided context for Cavs fans still processing Darius Garland’s limited effectiveness during last season’s playoff run.
“Well, now that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is having surgery for turf toe, maybe people will have a better understanding of just how significant the injury was for Darius and how difficult it was for him to play through it and how painful it can be and how much it can linger and how long the recovery process is and all that kind of stuff,” cleveland.com’s Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor explained on the latest Wine and Gold Talk podcast.
This parallel to Burrow – whose every injury receives intense national scrutiny – offers a window into the severity of what Garland was dealing with during the Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference semifinals series against Indiana.
For fans who questioned Garland’s performance or toughness, seeing another elite athlete sidelined by the same condition provides valuable perspective.
The news from the Cavs’ preseason press conference confirms what many had suspected – Garland’s recovery will be measured, deliberate, and prioritize long-term health over immediate availability.
President of basketball operations Koby Altman used the term “very limited” when describing Garland’s participation in training camp, signaling the organization’s cautious approach.
What might surprise some fans, however, is the potential timeline for Garland’s full return.
Based on what he’s hearing from team sources, Fedor offered a sobering assessment: “I would not be surprised if we don’t see Darius Garland until around Thanksgiving or maybe the beginning of December.”
This extended timeline reflects both the tricky nature of turf toe injuries and the Cavaliers’ big-picture philosophy.
Unlike some organizations that might rush players back for early-season games, Cleveland is firmly focused on ensuring Garland is at his best when the games matter most.
“It’s not about Darius Garland being 100% or being healthy and effective in November and December. It’s about him being ready for what they hope is a trip into June,” Fedor emphasized.
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After experiencing firsthand how injuries can derail playoff hopes – Garland’s limited effectiveness against the Pacers was repeatedly cited by Altman as a critical factor in their series loss – the Cavaliers appear determined to avoid similar scenarios this season.
The recovery process for Garland will be multifaceted.
Beyond simply allowing the toe to heal, he’ll need to regain conditioning, determine if he’ll need a protective insert to use in his shoe, and gradually ramp up basketball activities. Each step requires care and patience, especially for an injury that can easily be aggravated if pushed too aggressively.
For Cleveland, Garland’s absence creates both challenges and opportunities early in the season.
Donovan Mitchell will shoulder increased playmaking responsibilities, while players like Craig Porter Jr. will see expanded roles. The team will also likely experiment with different offensive configurations, potentially featuring more Evan Mobley as a facilitator and increased opportunities for De’Andre Hunter.
The parallels between Burrow and Garland extend beyond just the same injury.
Both are cornerstone players for their respective franchises, and both organizations must balance the desire for immediate success against the priority of long-term health. As Burrow’s situation unfolds in the public eye, it may help Cavaliers fans better understand and appreciate the prudent approach the team is taking with their star guard.
The question now becomes how the Cavaliers will navigate the early season without one of their primary creators and how Garland will reintegrate once healthy. If Cleveland’s plan succeeds, they’ll have a fresh, fully healthy Garland ready for the stretch run and playoffs – exactly when they need him most.
For the latest updates on Garland’s recovery and how the Cavaliers plan to manage without him in the early season, check out the full Wine and Gold Talk podcast episode featuring detailed insights from Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins.
Here’s the podcast for this week: