Los Angeles Rams defensive powerhouse Myles Garrett will miss at least the next four weeks of action after being placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury that will require surgical intervention. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who has been a cornerstone of the Rams' defense since his high‑profile trade from the Cleveland Browns, first began to feel the limitations of the ailment during training camp. He later confirmed after Thursday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne that the problem was more restrictive than initially believed. The news broke on Sunday when veteran NFL reporter Tom Pelissero of The Ringer relayed that the Rams would be without their marquee defensive addition for an extended stretch.
Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles was one of the headline moves of the NFL offseason, following a blockbuster trade that sent him to the Rams after he shattered the all‑time single‑season sack record in 2025. His presence instantly elevated the Rams’ pass rush, and the team quickly positioned itself as a favorite to contend for the Super Bowl. Head coach Sean McVay addressed the situation on Monday, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the recovery timeline. “I don’t really have a timeline yet,” McVay told reporters.
“It’s all contingent upon how things go today. If he feels good about it, we’ll proceed, but it would be unfair to him—or anyone—to set a firm date without having the full picture. We know he could be back in four weeks, so we’ll take it day by day.” McVay continued, reflecting on his conversation with Garrett after the Melbourne defeat. “After I talked with him after the game, after I spoke with the media and just saw how he felt, we thought we could manage the situation.
It turned out not to be the case. Having that evidence and being able to say ‘what’s the next right thing?’ was crucial.
Right after the game, we listened to how he felt, how he was able to impact the game, and what you all saw in terms of his limited participation. Obviously we thought we were doing the right thing, but in hindsight you always learn something.” Garrett’s injury comes at a pivotal moment for the Rams. The defense, already bolstered by the surprising return of former star Aaron Donald—who shocked the league by coming out of retirement to join Garrett at the front of the unit—has had to adjust quickly.
Donald missed the opening week in Melbourne as he works back to full football shape, further testing the depth of the Rams’ defensive line. Because of his knee surgery, Garrett is slated to sit out the upcoming matchups against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.
The earliest he could be cleared to return would be the Week Six contest against the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his recovery proceeds as hoped. The Rams entered the 2026 season with a roster that already featured MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the addition of Garrett was viewed as the final piece needed to cement their status as Super Bowl contenders.
Their early performances have lived up to the hype, with the team consistently ranking among the league’s top offensive and defensive units. The loss of Garrett, however, forces the coaching staff to re‑evaluate their pass‑rush schemes and rely more heavily on other emerging talents. In the broader context of the NFL, injuries to star players like Garrett underscore the physical toll of the sport and the importance of depth across the roster. Knee injuries, in particular, are common among defensive linemen due to the constant collision and leverage work required in the trenches.
Surgical repair often involves arthroscopic techniques to address ligament damage, meniscal tears, or cartilage issues, followed by a rigorous rehabilitation program that can range from six to twelve weeks before a player regains full functional capacity. For Rams fans, the news is a disappointment but not an insurmountable setback.
The organization’s medical staff will monitor Garrett’s progress closely, employing state‑of‑the‑art imaging, physical therapy, and strength conditioning to expedite his return. Meanwhile, the defensive coordinator will likely lean on players like John Franklin‑Crapo, Jalen Ramsey, and younger prospects to fill the void and keep the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Rams’ schedule remains challenging, with the upcoming games against the Giants, Broncos, Eagles and Bills featuring potent offensive weapons. Each contest will test the unit’s ability to adapt without its premier pass rusher.
Yet, the team’s depth and coaching acumen provide a solid foundation to weather the temporary loss. Fans can continue to follow the Rams’ journey throughout the 2026 season via live broadcasts on Sky Sports, which will cover every London game, the Thanksgiving matchup, and the entire playoff stretch leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Garrett’s rehabilitation timeline and his eventual return to the field, where his elite pass‑rushing skills are expected to once again make a decisive impact on the Rams’ championship aspirations.