Myles Garrett, the standout defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams, has been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next four weeks while he undergoes surgery to repair a knee injury. The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, who has been a cornerstone of the Rams' defensive scheme, first felt the limitation of the ailment during training camp.
After the team’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne on Thursday, Garrett confirmed that the problem was more serious than initially believed, prompting the decision to have the injury addressed surgically. The news was broken by Tom Pelissero of The Ringer on Sunday, as the Rams brace themselves for an extended stretch without their marquee defensive acquisition.
Garrett arrived in Los Angeles after a high‑profile trade from the Cleveland Browns that was one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason. The trade came on the heels of Garrett’s historic 2025 season, during which he shattered the all‑time single‑season sack record, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most dominant pass‑rushers. Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles was immediately followed by another headline‑grabbing development: the surprise comeback of Aaron Donald. The former Rams defensive tackle, who had retired after a storied career, shocked fans and analysts alike by deciding to return to the field and join forces with Garrett at the front line of the Rams’ defense.
Donald, however, was not present in Melbourne for the Week 1 matchup, as he continues to work his way back to full football shape after his brief retirement. Because of Garrett’s injury, the Rams will be without him for the upcoming games against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. The earliest date he could be cleared to play again is the Week 6 contest against the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his recovery proceeds as expected and the team’s medical staff gives him the green light. The Rams entered the 2026 season with high expectations.
Under head coach Sean McVay, the team already boasted an MVP‑caliber quarterback in Matthew Stafford, and the addition of Garrett was expected to push the squad into clear Super Bowl‑contending territory. The loss of Garrett, even temporarily, forces the coaching staff to adjust their defensive game plans and rely more heavily on other pass‑rushers and linebackers to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Garrett’s knee injury is a setback not only for Los Angeles but also for the broader narrative of the league’s defensive elite.
Since his record‑setting 2025 season, he has been viewed as a potential future Hall of Famer, and his presence on the field dramatically alters the way opponents scheme against the Rams. In his absence, the Rams will likely lean on veterans like Aaron Donald, who, despite his own conditioning challenges, brings a wealth of experience and an ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Younger players will also be called upon to step up, providing an opportunity for the team to develop depth at the defensive end position. Beyond the immediate impact on the Rams’ schedule, Garrett’s injury highlights the physical toll that elite pass‑rushers endure.
The position demands explosive bursts, frequent collisions with offensive linemen, and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback, all of which increase the risk of knee and lower‑body injuries. Medical professionals stress the importance of proper rehabilitation and a cautious return-to-play timeline to prevent re‑injury, especially for athletes whose careers depend on maintaining peak athleticism. Fans can still follow the Rams’ progress through a variety of media outlets. The team’s games are broadcast on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, with comprehensive coverage that includes every London‑based matchup, the Thanksgiving games, and the entire postseason leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles.
For those looking for a more immersive viewing experience, the league recommends using the Chrome browser to access an enhanced video player that offers better accessibility features. While the Rams navigate this challenging period, the broader NFL landscape continues to generate excitement.
Recent headlines include Josh Allen’s blockbuster performance that drew massive box‑office numbers, Trevor Lawrence’s emergence as a serious MVP candidate, and Derrick Henry’s continued display of greatness on the ground. Weekly highlights, such as Christian Watson’s 81‑yard touchdown wizardry and a cameraman’s accidental removal during the Packers‑Vikings clash, keep fans engaged throughout the season. In summary, Myles Garrett’s knee surgery will sideline him for at least four weeks, forcing the Rams to adapt without one of the most feared pass‑rushers in the league.
The team’s upcoming schedule, defensive strategy, and player development will all be affected as they await his return, potentially as early as the Week 6 showdown with the Arizona Cardinals. The situation underscores the unpredictable nature of football, where injuries can alter even the most carefully constructed championship aspirations, and serves as a reminder of the resilience required from both players and coaching staff to succeed at the highest level.