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 intervention. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who has been a cornerstone of the Rams’ pass rush since his high‑profile trade from the Cleveland Browns, first began to feel the strain during training camp. He later confirmed after Thursday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne that the problem was more limiting than initially believed, prompting the team to move quickly toward a definitive medical solution. The news broke on Sunday when veteran NFL reporter Tom Pelissero of The Ringer disclosed that Garrett would undergo surgery and be sidelined for an extended period.
This development comes at a time when the Rams are forced to navigate a stretch of games without one of their most dynamic defensive playmakers. Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles was a headline‑making moment in the offseason, part of a blockbuster trade that sent him to the Rams after a historic 2025 season in which he shattered the all‑time single‑season sack record. His impact was immediate, and his presence has been a key factor in the Rams being labeled early‑season favorites for the Super Bowl.
Head coach Sean McVay addressed the situation in a press conference on Monday, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Garrett’s recovery timeline. "I don’t really have a timeline yet," McVay said. "It’s all contingent upon how things go today. You feel good about it.
But I think it’d be unfair to him—or really anyone—without having the totality of all the information to put any sort of timeline on it. We know that he’ll be available in four weeks potentially, so we’ll just take that a day at a time." McVay went on to explain that the decision to place Garrett on injured reserve was not taken lightly. After speaking with Garrett following the Melbourne game, the coaching staff realized the injury was more serious than they had hoped.
"Honestly, after I talked with him after the game, after I’d spoken with you guys and just seeing how he felt, you look at it, we thought it was something we’d be able to manage. That wasn’t necessarily the case," McVay admitted. He added that the team’s medical staff had to reassess the situation based on Garrett’s feedback and the limited impact he could have on the field during the game. "So having that evidence and being able to say, ‘What’s the next right thing?’ It was right after the game, just in terms of listening to how he felt, how he was able to impact the game and even just, like, what you guys saw, with how limited we had to be with him.
Obviously, we thought we were doing the right thing, but in hindsight you’ll always be able to learn from it." The Rams’ defensive outlook now rests heavily on the return of veteran Aaron Donald, who shocked the league by coming out of retirement to join Garrett at the front of the defensive line. Donald, a multiple‑time Defensive Player of the Year himself, missed the first week of the season in Melbourne as he continues to rebuild his conditioning and full‑football shape.
His presence provides a temporary cushion, but the loss of Garrett’s elite pass‑rushing ability is a significant blow. In practical terms, Garrett will be unavailable for 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 is in Week Six, when the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals.
This window gives the coaching staff a narrow margin to evaluate his post‑surgery progress and determine whether he can contribute effectively in the latter part of the season. Garrett’s injury also has broader implications for the Rams’ championship aspirations. The team entered the 2026 campaign with a roster that includes MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, a seasoned offensive unit, and a defense that many analysts have described as one of the most formidable in the league.
Losing a player of Garrett’s caliber forces the Rams to lean on depth players, adjust their pass‑rush schemes, and perhaps increase the workload on linebackers and edge rushers who are not yet proven at his level. From a strategic perspective, the Rams may need to rely more on blitz packages that involve linebackers and secondary players, as well as increased use of zone rushes that can mask the absence of a dominant edge defender. The coaching staff will also likely emphasize gap discipline and run defense to keep opponents off balance while they search for ways to generate pressure without Garrett. Fans and analysts alike will be watching the Rams’ defensive performance closely over the next few weeks.
The team’s ability to adapt could serve as a litmus test for Sean McVay’s flexibility as a head coach and the overall resilience of a roster built around high‑profile acquisitions. While the injury is a setback, the Rams have a deep talent pool and a culture of winning that may help them weather the storm.
For viewers wanting to follow the unfolding drama, the 2026 NFL season will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, featuring every London game, the Thanksgiving classics, and full coverage of the playoffs leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles. The Rams’ journey, with its twists and turns, promises to be a compelling storyline for the remainder of the season.