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 first noticed the problem during training camp, but after the team’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne on Thursday, Garrett admitted the issue was more limiting than initially believed. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer broke the story on Sunday, confirming that the Rams will have to navigate an extended stretch without their marquee defensive acquisition. Garrett arrived in Los Angeles after a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns during the NFL offseason, a move that followed his historic 2025 campaign in which he shattered the all‑time single‑season sack record.
The trade was hailed as a game‑changing transaction that instantly elevated the Rams’ defensive outlook, pairing Garrett with a roster already stacked with talent. 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.
If he feels good, that’s a positive sign, but we can’t set a definitive date without the full picture. We know he could be back in four weeks, so we’ll take it day by day." McVay went on to explain that the decision to place Garrett on IR was not taken lightly.
After speaking with the player post‑game and reviewing the limited impact Garrett was able to make on the field, the coaching staff realized that the injury was more serious than they had hoped. "We thought we could manage it, but the evidence showed otherwise. The right thing to do was to listen to how he felt, assess his ability to influence the game, and then make a prudent choice. In hindsight, you always learn from these situations," McVay added.
The Rams’ defensive line also boasts the surprising return of Aaron Donald, who shocked the league by coming out of retirement to join forces with Garrett at the front of the unit. Donald missed the Week One game in Melbourne as he continues to work his way back into full football shape, but his presence alongside Garrett has already generated excitement among fans and analysts who view the duo as a potential historic partnership.
Because of Garrett’s injury, Los Angeles will be without him 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 return is in Week Six, when the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals. Until then, the defense will rely on other contributors to fill the void, but the loss of a player of Garrett’s caliber inevitably creates a noticeable gap. Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles coincided with a season that many pundits have already labeled as a Super Bowl contender.
The Rams, led by MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, entered the campaign with high expectations, and the addition of a Defensive Player of the Year was expected to solidify their claim as one of the league’s elite teams. While the injury is a setback, the organization remains optimistic that Garrett will recover fully and return to his dominant form. In the broader context of the 2026 NFL season, fans can continue to follow the action through Sky Sports, which will broadcast every London game, the Thanksgiving matchups, and the entire playoff run leading up to Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles.
The network’s comprehensive coverage ensures that supporters can stay up‑to‑date on the Rams’ progress, including any updates on Garrett’s health and potential return. The Rams’ medical staff is now focused on evaluating the extent of the knee damage, planning the surgical procedure, and designing a rehabilitation program that will allow Garrett to regain his explosiveness and pass‑rushing prowess. Knee injuries in elite pass rushers can be complex, often involving a combination of ligament, meniscus, and cartilage considerations. Modern orthopedic techniques, combined with a tailored strength‑and‑conditioning regimen, give the team confidence that Garrett can return to his pre‑injury level of performance.
While the next four weeks will be a testing period for the Rams’ defense, the organization’s depth chart offers several capable players who can step up. Defensive ends such as John Franklin‑Collins and rookie standouts will be called upon to increase their snap counts and provide additional pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The coaching staff will likely adjust schemes to compensate for the loss of Garrett’s edge‑rushing ability, perhaps employing more blitz packages or rotating linebackers to maintain a disruptive presence.
Off the field, Garrett’s injury has sparked conversations among analysts about the physical toll of the NFL and the importance of injury prevention strategies. The Rams have invested heavily in sports science, employing cutting‑edge monitoring equipment to track player workloads and mitigate injury risk. Garrett’s situation underscores the delicate balance between maximizing performance and preserving long‑term health. In summary, Myles Garrett’s knee injury and subsequent surgery will sideline him for a minimum of four weeks, keeping him out of the upcoming games against the Giants, Broncos, Eagles, and Bills, with a potential return in Week Six against the Cardinals.
The Rams remain confident in their defensive depth and coaching adjustments, while fans eagerly await updates on Garrett’s recovery. The season continues to unfold with high stakes, and the Rams aim to stay on track as one of the league’s top contenders heading toward the playoffs and ultimately Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles.