Myles Garrett, the Los Angeles Rams' premier pass‑rusher, has been placed on injured reserve after doctors determined that his knee injury will require surgical intervention. The procedure means Garrett will be unavailable for at least the next four weeks, effectively sidelining him through a crucial stretch of the season.
The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, who has been a dominant force on the field since his arrival in Los Angeles, first began to feel the limitations of the knee problem during the team’s training camp. Although he attempted to push through the discomfort, the injury proved more restrictive than initially believed.
After the Rams fell to the San Francisco 49ers in a high‑profile preseason matchup in Melbourne, Garrett openly acknowledged that his knee was not responding as hoped, prompting the decision to pursue surgery rather than risk further damage. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer broke the story on Sunday, confirming that the Rams will now have to navigate an extended period without their marquee defensive acquisition. Garrett’s trade to Los Angeles from the Cleveland Browns was one of the headline‑grabbing moves of the recent NFL offseason, especially after he shattered the single‑season sack record in 2025.
His presence was expected to elevate the Rams’ defense to an elite level, and his absence will be felt immediately. Garrett’s arrival in L.A. coincided with another surprising development: the unexpected return of Aaron Donald. The former Defensive Player of the Year, who had retired after a storied career, surprised the league by coming out of retirement to join Garrett at the front of the Rams’ defensive line.
Donald, however, missed the opening week in Melbourne as he worked to regain full football conditioning, further underscoring the challenges the Rams face on the defensive front. In the coming weeks, Garrett will miss the Rams’ contests against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. The earliest point at which he could be cleared to play is the Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his rehabilitation progresses without setbacks.
The Rams entered the 2026 season with high expectations. Under head coach Sean McVay and with MVP‑caliber quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the offense, the team was widely touted as a Super Bowl favorite. The addition of Garrett—and the brief reunion with Donald—was meant to create a defensive powerhouse capable of matching the offense’s firepower.
Now, with Garrett out for a month, the Rams will have to rely on depth players and adjust their schematics to compensate for the loss of their premier edge rusher. Garrett’s injury also raises broader questions about the Rams’ defensive strategy moving forward. The team’s front seven will need to lean more heavily on veterans like Leonard Floyd and emerging talents such as Kayvon Thorne to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will likely increase blitz packages from the linebackers and explore more zone‑rushing concepts to mask the absence of Garrett’s elite pass‑rush skill set. Beyond the immediate tactical concerns, the situation highlights the physical toll that elite defensive players endure in today’s NFL. The league’s emphasis on speed and explosiveness has led to a rise in knee and lower‑body injuries, prompting teams to invest heavily in medical staff, advanced imaging, and preventative training programs. Garrett’s case may serve as a cautionary example for other teams considering high‑risk trades for top‑tier pass rushers.
Fans can still stay engaged with the Rams’ season through a variety of media options. The 2026 NFL schedule, including all London games, the Thanksgiving showcase, and the entire playoff run leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Viewers are encouraged to use a Chrome browser for the best video player experience.
While the Rams grapple with Garrett’s recovery, the broader NFL landscape continues to generate headlines. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is poised for a comeback after his own injury layoff, and the New York Giants are looking to reshape their culture under the guidance of John Harbaugh, according to analyst Jeff Reinebold.
Meanwhile, other storylines—such as Josh Allen’s quest for a Super Bowl with a revitalized Bills defense, Trevor Lawrence’s emerging MVP candidacy, and the rookie head coach Jesse Minter’s winning start with the Ravens—add layers of intrigue to the season. In summary, Myles Garrett’s knee surgery marks a significant setback for the Los Angeles Rams, removing a key defensive weapon for at least four weeks.
The team will need to adapt quickly, lean on its depth, and perhaps innovate defensively to remain competitive during his absence. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Garrett’s rehabilitation timeline and the Rams’ ability to sustain their Super Bowl aspirations without their star pass rusher.