Myles Garrett, the standout defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams, has been placed on injured reserve after doctors determined his knee injury will require surgical intervention. The team announced that he will miss at least the next four weeks, a setback that could keep him out for a substantial portion of the early season schedule. Garrett, who was honored as the league's Defensive Player of the Year in the most recent campaign, first began to feel the limitations of his knee during the opening days of training camp. After the Rams fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the opening game held in Melbourne, he openly admitted that the discomfort was more severe than initially believed.
The injury, which had been managed conservatively during practice, proved to be a more significant obstacle, prompting the medical staff to recommend surgery. The news broke on Sunday when Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported that the Rams would be without their marquee defensive acquisition for an extended stretch.
Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles was a headline-grabbing move; he was dealt to the Rams from the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster offseason transaction that followed his historic 2025 season, during which he shattered the all‑time single‑season sack record. Head coach Sean McVay addressed the situation at a press conference on Monday, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the 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 anyone—to put a definitive timetable on it without having the full picture.
We know that he could be back in four weeks, potentially, so we’ll just take it day by day." McVay continued, reflecting on his conversation with Garrett after the Melbourne loss. "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?' came right after the game, based on how he felt, how he was able to impact the game, and what you all saw with the limited role we gave him.
Obviously, we thought we were doing the right thing, but in hindsight, you always learn from these situations." Garrett’s injury comes at a time when the Rams' defense is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The team’s front office recently announced the surprise return of Aaron Donald, the former Defensive Player of the Year who retired after a storied career.
Donald’s decision to unretire and join forces with Garrett was intended to create a dominant front‑seven duo that could dominate opposing offenses. However, Donald missed the first week’s game in Melbourne as he continues to rebuild his conditioning after a year away from the field. The Rams now face a daunting schedule without their defensive cornerstone.
Garrett is slated to sit out 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 is the Week Six contest against the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his recovery proceeds without complications. The loss of Garrett has broader implications for the Rams’ championship aspirations.
The team entered the 2026 season with high expectations, bolstered by a roster that includes MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford and a defense that was projected to be among the league’s elite. The combination of Garrett’s pass‑rushing prowess and Donald’s veteran experience was expected to form the core of a defense capable of anchoring a Super Bowl run. Without Garrett, the Rams will need to rely on depth players and adjust their schematics, potentially increasing pressure on the secondary and linebacking corps. In the meantime, fans can continue to follow the Rams’ progress through various broadcast options.
The 2026 NFL season will be streamed live on Sky Sports, offering coverage of every London game, the Thanksgiving classics, and the full slate of playoff action leading up to Super Bowl 61, which is scheduled to be held in Los Angeles. While the Rams hope to have Garrett back for the crucial second half of the season, the team’s coaching staff remains focused on keeping the defense competitive and maintaining the momentum built early in the year.
Garrett’s rehabilitation will involve a structured program of physical therapy, strength training, and gradual re‑introduction to on‑field drills. The medical team will monitor his progress closely, ensuring that any return to play is safe and sustainable. In the modern NFL, where knee injuries can be career‑altering, the Rams are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing Garrett’s long‑term health over a rushed comeback. Should Garrett return earlier than the projected four‑week window, it would provide a significant morale boost for the squad and could accelerate the Rams’ push toward the postseason.
Conversely, a delayed return would test the depth of the defensive line and force the coaching staff to innovate with alternative pass‑rush strategies. Either scenario underscores the importance of adaptability in a league where injuries are an ever‑present variable. Overall, the Rams are navigating a challenging period marked by the absence of a key defensive playmaker and the reintegration of a retired legend. The organization’s ability to manage these dynamics will be a defining factor in their pursuit of a championship.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team adjusts its game plan, develops its younger talent, and hopes for a swift and successful recovery for Myles Garrett.