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 address a knee problem. The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, who has been a cornerstone of the Rams' defense since his high‑profile trade from the Cleveland Browns, first noticed the injury during training camp. He later confirmed after the Rams' Thursday loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne that the ailment was more limiting than initially believed, prompting the decision to have the knee repaired surgically. The news broke on Sunday when veteran NFL reporter Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported that the Rams would be without their marquee defensive acquisition for an extended stretch.
Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles had already generated massive excitement. He arrived fresh off a historic 2025 season in which he shattered the single‑season sack record, cementing his status as one of the league’s most dominant pass‑rushers. The trade that sent him from Cleveland to Los Angeles was one of the biggest moves of the offseason, and the Rams quickly built a defensive front around him. Adding to the buzz, the Rams also announced the unexpected return of Aaron Donald, the former Defensive Player of the Year who had retired after a glittering career.
Donald’s decision to unretire and join forces with Garrett created a defensive duo that many analysts labeled the most formidable edge‑rush combination in recent memory. However, Donald missed the Rams' opening game in Melbourne as he worked to regain full football conditioning after his time away from the sport. Garrett’s injury timeline means he will be unavailable for the upcoming matchups against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.
The earliest date he could be cleared to play is in Week Six, when the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals. This absence leaves a significant void in the Rams' pass‑rush, forcing head coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator to adjust schemes and rely more heavily on other players to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Rams entered the 2026 season already positioned as Super Bowl favorites, thanks in large part to the presence of MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford and a defense that many expected to dominate.
Garrett’s injury is a setback, but the organization remains optimistic that the depth of its roster and the coaching staff’s adaptability will keep the team competitive. Beyond the immediate impact on the Rams, Garrett’s situation underscores a broader trend in the NFL: the increasing emphasis on player health and the willingness of teams to prioritize long‑term recovery over short‑term gains. Knee injuries, especially for edge rushers who rely on explosiveness and leverage, can be career‑altering if not treated properly. By opting for surgery now, the Rams hope to ensure Garrett returns at full strength rather than risking further damage by playing through pain.
In the weeks leading up to his expected return, the Rams will likely lean on veterans like Aaron Donald, who can still provide elite pass‑rush production, as well as younger talents such as defensive tackle John Franklin‑Davis and outside linebacker Jalen Ramsey, who will be tasked with filling the gap in the pass‑rush rotation. The coaching staff may also experiment with blitz packages that emphasize speed and deception, attempting to mask the loss of Garrett’s unique blend of power and technique. Fans can stay updated on Garrett’s rehabilitation progress through the team’s official channels, and the Rams have indicated they will provide regular updates as he moves through the post‑surgery recovery milestones.
The league’s medical staff will also be closely monitoring his return, ensuring that he meets all the necessary criteria before stepping back onto the field. While the Rams adjust to life without their star defender, the broader NFL landscape continues to evolve. The season has already featured notable storylines, such as the New York Giants opening with a 28‑20 win over the Dallas Cowboys in John Harbaugh’s debut as the Giants’ head coach, and standout performances from quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence, who are both in the conversation for MVP honors. Meanwhile, running back Derrick Henry has been reminding fans of his greatness with a series of dominant rushing displays.
Looking ahead, the Rams remain a team to watch as the playoffs approach. If Garrett can return in Week Six and regain his pre‑injury form, his presence could be a decisive factor in Los Angeles’ push for a Super Bowl 61 berth, scheduled to be held in the city’s own stadium.
Until then, the Rams will rely on collective effort, strategic adjustments, and the leadership of veterans to navigate the challenges posed by this unexpected injury setback.