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, who has been a cornerstone of the Rams’ front seven since his high‑profile trade from the Cleveland Browns, first noticed the problem during training camp.
He later confirmed after Thursday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne that the ailment was more limiting than initially believed. The news broke on Sunday when Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported that the Rams would be without their marquee acquisition for an extended stretch. Garrett’s move to Los Angeles was part of a blockbuster offseason deal that followed his record‑breaking 2025 campaign, in which he set the all‑time single‑season sack mark. The injury now threatens to derail the momentum the Rams hoped to build around his elite pass‑rushing talent.
Head coach Sean McVay addressed the situation at a press conference on Monday, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for Garrett’s return. “I don’t really have a timeline yet,” McVay said.
“It’s all contingent upon how things go today. If I feel good about it, we’ll proceed, but I don’t want to give a definitive date without having the full picture.” He added that the team expects Garrett could be back in roughly four weeks, but that the situation would be reassessed day by day.
McVay explained that after the Melbourne game he spoke privately with Garrett to gauge his condition. “When I talked to him after the game, after I’d spoken with you guys and just seeing how he felt, we thought we could manage the issue,” McVay recalled. “In hindsight, it turned out to be more complicated.
The evidence we gathered forced us to consider the next right step, which ultimately meant surgery and a period of recovery.” Garrett’s injury comes at a time when the Rams’ defense is being reshaped by the surprising return of former star Aaron Donald. Donald, who announced his comeback from retirement earlier this year, has been paired with Garrett at the heart of the defensive line, creating a duo that many analysts have called the most formidable pass‑rush combination in the league.
However, Donald missed the opening week in Melbourne as he continues to rebuild his conditioning, leaving the Rams to rely heavily on other pieces of their defense. Because of Garrett’s absence, the Rams will be shorthanded in their 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 against the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his recovery proceeds without setbacks.
Since arriving in Los Angeles, Garrett has helped elevate a squad already led by MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams entered the 2026 season as one of the league’s favorite Super Bowl contenders, thanks to a blend of veteran leadership, offensive firepower, and a defensive unit anchored by Garrett’s relentless pressure.
Losing him for a month forces the coaching staff to adjust schemes, rely more on depth players, and perhaps accelerate the development of younger defensive ends. The Rams’ medical team has outlined a typical post‑surgery protocol for knee injuries of this nature, which generally includes a period of immobilization, followed by gradual range‑of‑motion exercises, strength training, and finally sport‑specific drills. For an elite athlete like Garrett, the rehabilitation timeline can be compressed with intensive therapy, but the risk of re‑injury remains a concern.
McVay stressed that the team will prioritize Garrett’s long‑term health over a rushed return, noting that a fully healed Garrett will be far more valuable than a partially recovered player who could compromise his future performance. Fans have been encouraged to stay engaged with the Rams’ progress through the team’s digital platforms, where regular updates on Garrett’s condition will be posted. The organization also reminded viewers to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player when watching live coverage of the season, including the upcoming games on Sky Sports that will feature every London matchup, the Thanksgiving classic, and the entire playoff run leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles.
In summary, Myles Garrett’s knee injury and subsequent surgery represent a significant hurdle for a Rams team that had high expectations this year. While his absence will be felt on the field, the franchise’s depth, coaching acumen, and commitment to player health provide a solid foundation to navigate the next few weeks. The Rams will look to other defenders to step up, and the coaching staff will likely adjust defensive play‑calling to mitigate the loss of Garrett’s pass‑rushing prowess. Should Garrett recover on schedule, his return in Week Six could reinvigorate the defense just as the team enters the critical middle portion of the season, keeping the Rams in the conversation for a championship run.