Myles Garrett, the Los Angeles Rams’ premier pass‑rusher and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has been placed on injured reserve after doctors determined that his knee injury will require surgical repair. The procedure means he will miss at least the next four weeks of the season, a significant blow to a Rams defense that has been built around his elite talent. Garrett’s knee problems first surfaced during the team’s training camp, where he was noticeably limited in his movements and unable to perform at his usual high‑intensity level.
The situation worsened after the Rams’ Thursday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, where Garrett admitted that the discomfort was far more restrictive than initially believed. He described the pain as a lingering ache that hampered his ability to push off, change direction, and generate the explosive bursts that make him one of the league’s most feared defenders. The news broke on Sunday when Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported the Rams’ decision to move Garrett to the injured reserve list.
The announcement came as the franchise began to brace for an extended period without its marquee defensive acquisition, a player who was acquired in a high‑profile trade with the Cleveland Browns during the most active offseason in recent memory. Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles was a headline‑grabbing event. He arrived fresh off a historic 2025 campaign in which he shattered the all‑time single‑season sack record, a feat that cemented his status as a generational talent.
The trade, which sent several draft picks and players to Cleveland, was intended to instantly elevate the Rams’ defensive front and give them a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl run. Adding to the excitement, the Rams also announced the unexpected return of Aaron Donald, the former Defensive Player of the Year who had retired after the 2024 season.
Donald’s decision to unretire and join forces with Garrett created a defensive duo that many analysts described as one of the most intimidating front‑seven combinations in NFL history. The pair were expected to dominate opposing offensive lines, generate relentless pressure on quarterbacks, and anchor a defense that already featured a strong secondary and a stout run‑stop unit. Unfortunately, Donald was not present in Melbourne for the Rams’ Week One matchup, as he continued to work his way back into full football shape after months away from the game.
His absence, combined with Garrett’s injury, left the Rams’ defense looking thin at the very start of the season. Because of his injury, Garrett will miss the upcoming contests against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
The earliest date he could be cleared to return to action is in Week Six, when the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals. This timeline aligns with the NFL’s standard four‑week minimum for players returning from a knee surgery that does not involve major ligament reconstruction. The Rams’ coaching staff, led by head coach Sean McVay, now faces the challenge of re‑configuring their defensive schemes without their star edge rusher.
McVay, who has a reputation for creative play‑calling on offense, will need to rely on the depth of his defensive roster, including younger players who will be thrust into larger roles. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will likely increase the responsibilities of veterans like Jalen Ramsey and John Johnson, while also giving more snaps to emerging talents such as rookie defensive end Malik Harrison. Off the field, the Rams remain one of the league’s most marketable franchises.
Their games are broadcast widely, with the 2026 season available on Sky Sports for UK viewers, and a dedicated streaming package for fans who want to watch every London game, the Thanksgiving matchups, and the entire playoff run leading up to Super Bowl LVII in Los Angeles. The team’s star quarterback, Matthew Stafford, who earned MVP honors last season, continues to lead a high‑powered offense that includes a deep receiving corps and a versatile running back group. The Rams’ front office is optimistic that Garrett’s recovery will proceed smoothly.
Modern orthopedic techniques and the team’s top‑tier medical staff give confidence that he will return to his pre‑injury form. In the meantime, the Rams will lean on their depth and the strategic acumen of their coaches to stay competitive in a tough NFC West division that also features the formidable San Francisco 49ers and the rising Seattle Seahawks.
Fans can stay updated on Garrett’s progress through the team’s official channels, and the Rams have encouraged supporters to watch the upcoming games on the league’s streaming platforms, which offer high‑definition video and real‑time statistics. The organization also reminded viewers to use the Chrome browser for the best video playback experience, especially for the supplemental highlights and analysis videos that accompany each broadcast.
While the loss of Garrett is a setback, the Rams’ season is far from over. With a strong offensive foundation, a resilient defensive line, and a coaching staff adept at making adjustments, Los Angeles still has a realistic chance to contend for the NFC championship.
The upcoming weeks will test the team’s depth and resolve, but the return of Garrett in Week Six could provide a significant boost as the Rams aim to regain momentum and keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive.