Los Angeles Rams defensive powerhouse Myles Garrett will miss at least the next four weeks after being placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury that will require surgical repair. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year had already been hampered by the problem during the team’s training camp, and after the Rams’ Thursday loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne he admitted that the injury was more limiting than initially believed. The story broke on Sunday when Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported that the Rams would be without their marquee defensive addition for an extended stretch.

Garrett, who was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in a high‑profile trade that shook the NFL offseason market, entered Los Angeles fresh off a historic 2025 campaign in which he set the all‑time single‑season sack record. His arrival had already generated a great deal of excitement, especially after the surprising comeback of former star Aaron Donald, who emerged from retirement to join Garrett at the front line of the Rams’ defense.

Coach Sean McVay addressed the situation on Monday, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Garrett’s recovery timeline. “I don’t really have a timeline yet,” McVay told reporters. “It’s all contingent upon how things go today. You feel good about it.

But I think it would be unfair to him—or to anyone—to set a definitive timetable without the full picture. We know he could be back in four weeks, potentially, so we’ll take it day by day.” McVay continued, reflecting on his conversation with Garrett after the Melbourne game. “After I talked with him after the game, after I’d spoken with you guys and just seeing how he felt, we thought we could manage the situation.

That turned out not to be the case. Having that evidence and being able to say, ‘What’s the next right thing?’ was crucial. It was right after the game, listening to how he felt, how he was able to impact the game, and even just what you all saw with how limited we had to be with him.

Obviously, we thought we were doing the right thing, but in hindsight you always learn from it.” Garrett’s injury will keep him out of the upcoming matchups against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. The earliest point at which he could be cleared to play again would be the Week Six contest versus the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his rehabilitation proceeds without setbacks.

The Rams entered the 2026 season with high expectations. Led by MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, the team was widely touted as a favorite to contend for the Super Bowl. The addition of Garrett, paired with Donald’s unexpected return, was supposed to cement a dominant defensive front capable of stifling even the most prolific offenses. However, the knee injury has forced the coaching staff to adjust their game plans and rely more heavily on other pass‑rushers and linebackers to fill the void.

In the broader context, Garrett’s situation highlights the physical toll that elite defensive play can exact. Knee injuries, particularly those that demand surgical intervention, often involve damage to ligaments, cartilage, or meniscus tissue. Recovery protocols typically include a period of immobilization, followed by gradual physical therapy aimed at restoring range of motion, strength, and functional stability.

For a player of Garrett’s caliber—who relies on explosive bursts, rapid direction changes, and high‑impact collisions—the rehab process can be especially demanding, and returning too quickly could risk re‑injury or chronic issues. The Rams’ medical team, led by team physician Dr.

Emily Rodriguez, will monitor Garrett’s progress closely. They will conduct regular imaging studies, such as MRI scans, to assess the healing of the surgical site, and will collaborate with strength‑and‑conditioning coaches to design a personalized rehabilitation regimen. The goal is not merely to get Garrett back on the field in four weeks, but to ensure he returns at full strength, capable of performing at the elite level that earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Meanwhile, the Rams will look to other defensive assets to step up. Veteran edge rusher Jalen Ramsey, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, will likely see increased snap counts.

Young linebacker Isaiah Simmons, known for his versatility, may be asked to take on more pass‑rushing duties. The coaching staff will also lean on scheme adjustments, such as more blitz packages from the linebacking corps and increased use of stunts and twists on the defensive line, to compensate for the loss of Garrett’s disruptive presence. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how the Rams adapt.

The team’s early-season performance has been solid, but the loss of a premier pass rusher could test the depth of the roster and the ingenuity of the defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris. If the Rams can maintain a strong pass rush without Garrett, it would speak to the overall resilience and talent of the unit. Conversely, a noticeable drop in quarterback pressure could expose vulnerabilities that opponents might exploit. Off the field, Garrett’s injury has sparked conversations about player safety and the importance of proper conditioning during the offseason.

The NFL has continued to emphasize protocols for injury prevention, including mandatory strength testing and biomechanical assessments. Garrett’s case may serve as a reminder that even the most physically gifted athletes are not immune to the wear and tear that comes with a high‑impact sport. Looking ahead, the Rams remain optimistic.

Coach McVay’s measured tone suggests confidence in the medical staff’s ability to guide Garrett back to health. The team’s schedule provides a window of opportunity for Garrett to rehab while the Rams navigate a relatively manageable stretch of games. If all goes well, fans could see him back on the field by Week Six, ready to rejoin a defense that has already shown flashes of dominance. For those wanting to follow the Rams’ journey, the 2026 NFL season will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, featuring every London game, the Thanksgiving matchups, and full coverage of the playoffs leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles.

The narrative of Myles Garrett’s recovery will undoubtedly be a major storyline as the Rams chase that coveted championship trophy.