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' defense since his high‑profile trade from the Cleveland Browns, first began to feel the effects of the problem during training camp.
He later confirmed after Thursday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne that the injury was more limiting than initially believed. The story broke on Sunday when Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported that Garrett would be sidelined for an extended stretch, leaving the Rams without their marquee defensive addition during a critical portion of the season.
Garrett arrived in Los Angeles as part of a blockbuster offseason deal that followed his historic 2025 campaign, during which he shattered the NFL’s single‑season sack record. His arrival was meant to cement the Rams’ front line alongside the surprising return of former star Aaron Donald, who had shocked the league by coming out of retirement to join forces with Garrett at the very heart of the defense. Head coach Sean McVay addressed the situation in 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. I feel good about it, but I think it would be unfair to him—or to anyone—without having the full picture to set a specific date. We know he could be back in four weeks, so we’ll just take it one day at a time.” McVay went on to explain that after speaking with Garrett following the Melbourne game, the coaching staff initially believed the injury could be managed in‑house. “After I talked with him after the game, after I spoke with you guys and just seeing how he felt, we thought it was something we could handle.
That turned out not to be the case,” the coach said. He added that the decision to place Garrett on injured reserve was based on a careful assessment of the player’s pain, his ability to contribute on the field, and the long‑term health considerations that come with a knee surgery. “Having that evidence and being able to say, ‘What’s the next right thing?’ was crucial. 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 were already dealing with the gradual reintegration of Aaron Donald, who missed the first week of the season in Melbourne while he worked back to full football shape after his retirement hiatus.
Donald’s presence, while electrifying for fans, has not yet translated into a fully operational defensive front, and Garrett’s absence will test the depth of the Rams’ defensive line. The schedule now looks bleak for the star defensive end.
He is slated to miss the upcoming matchups against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, a stretch that spans four consecutive weeks. The earliest point at which he could be cleared to play would be the Week Six contest against the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his recovery proceeds without setbacks.
The Rams entered the 2026 season with lofty expectations. Led by MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, the team was widely projected as a Super Bowl contender, with many analysts pointing to the Garrett‑Donald tandem as the nucleus of a defense capable of dominating opponents. The loss of Garrett, however, forces the coaching staff to lean heavily on younger players and rotational pieces, while also adjusting game plans to compensate for the reduced pass‑rush pressure.
In the broader context of the NFL, injuries to star defensive players often have ripple effects across the league. Teams that were slated to face the Rams in the coming weeks now have to adjust their offensive strategies, knowing they will not have to contend with Garrett’s relentless edge rush.
Conversely, the Rams must find ways to generate pressure through blitz packages, interior line play, and perhaps increased reliance on the secondary to create turnovers. Garrett’s rehabilitation will involve a multi‑phase approach, beginning with post‑surgical care, followed by a structured physical‑therapy regimen designed to restore strength, flexibility, and stability to the knee joint. The Rams’ medical staff will monitor his progress closely, employing advanced imaging and performance metrics to determine when he can safely resume full‑contact practice.
Throughout this period, Garrett is expected to remain engaged with the team’s film study and strategic meetings, ensuring he stays mentally sharp and ready to re‑enter the lineup as soon as his body permits. Fans eager to watch the 2026 NFL season can continue to follow the action via Sky Sports, which will broadcast every game, including the London matchups, the Thanksgiving classics, and the full playoff run leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles. While the Rams’ defensive line may be temporarily weakened, the team’s overall talent pool and coaching acumen suggest they will remain competitive, hoping that Garrett’s return will bolster their championship aspirations later in the season.