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 noticed 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 news broke on Sunday when veteran NFL reporter Tom Pelissero of The Ringer disclosed that the Rams would be without their marquee defensive end for an extended stretch. Garrett, who was acquired by Los Angeles in a blockbuster offseason deal that followed his record‑breaking 2025 campaign—where he set the all‑time single‑season sack mark—has now joined the growing list of key players sidelined by injury.
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 just 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 continued, reflecting on his conversation with Garrett after the Melbourne game. "Honestly, after I talked with him after the game, after I'd spoken with you guys and just seeing just how he felt, you look at it, we thought it was something that we'd be able to kinda manage. That wasn't necessarily the case.
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." Garrett's injury comes at a pivotal moment for the Rams' defense, which has already been bolstered by the surprising return of Aaron Donald. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year shocked the league by coming out of retirement to reunite with Garrett at the front of the defensive line.
Donald, however, missed the first week in Melbourne as he continues to regain full football conditioning. The Rams will now have to navigate a challenging schedule without Garrett.
He is expected to sit out the upcoming matchups against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. The earliest possible date for his return is the Week Six contest against the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his rehabilitation proceeds as hoped.
Garrett's arrival in Los Angeles was a major storyline that helped position the Rams as early Super Bowl favorites. The team, already led by MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, entered the 2026 season with high expectations, and the loss of a defensive anchor like Garrett forces the coaching staff to adjust schemes and rely more heavily on other pass‑rushers and linebackers. Beyond the immediate impact on the Rams, Garrett's surgery highlights a broader trend in the NFL where elite pass rushers often face knee issues due to the sheer physicality of the position. Medical staff typically evaluate the extent of ligament damage, meniscus involvement, and any cartilage wear before deciding on the appropriate surgical procedure.
Recovery timelines can vary widely, but a four‑week minimum suggests that the Rams are hoping for a relatively straightforward arthroscopic repair rather than a more invasive reconstruction. Fans looking for more coverage can watch the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every London game, the Thanksgiving classics, and the entire playoff run leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles. For those interested in a more accessible viewing experience, the league recommends using the Chrome browser for its optimized video player. In summary, Myles Garrett's knee injury and upcoming surgery will keep him off the field for at least a month, forcing the Rams to adapt their defensive strategy while they await his return.
The situation underscores the physical toll of elite defensive play and the importance of depth on an NFL roster. The Rams remain optimistic that Garrett will recover swiftly and rejoin the defense in time to help the team pursue another championship run.