Myles Garrett, the Los Angeles Rams' premier pass‑rusher and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, 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 injury, which first limited his participation during the team's training camp, proved more serious than initially believed, a fact Garrett confirmed after the Rams' Thursday loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne.
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 was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in one of the offseason's most high‑profile trades, arriving fresh off a historic 2025 campaign in which he shattered the NFL's single‑season sack record. His presence was expected to anchor a defense that already featured the surprising return of former star Aaron Donald, who had come out of retirement to join Garrett at the front line. 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.
You feel good about it. But I think it'd be unfair to him—or anyone—to put a definitive timetable on it without the full picture. We know he could be back in four weeks, so we’ll take it day by day." McVay continued, reflecting on his conversation with Garrett after the Melbourne game.
"After I talked with him after the game, after I spoke 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?’ was crucial. It was right after the game, listening to his feedback, how he impacted the game, and even 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 something." Garrett's injury will sideline 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 the Week Six contest against the Arizona Cardinals, assuming his recovery proceeds as hoped. The Rams entered the 2026 season with high expectations.
Under McVay's leadership and with MVP‑winning quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm, the team was widely tipped as a Super Bowl contender. Garrett’s arrival was meant to solidify a defense that already boasted the unexpected comeback of Aaron Donald, who missed the first week in Melbourne while he worked back into full football shape after his brief retirement. Donald's presence, combined with Garrett’s elite pass‑rushing skill set, was expected to create a formidable front seven capable of disrupting opposing offenses at will.
The Rams' defensive scheme relies heavily on Garrett’s ability to generate pressure without needing to blitz, freeing up linebackers and secondary players to focus on coverage. His record‑breaking sack total from the previous season demonstrated his capacity to dominate games on his own, and his absence forces the Rams to adjust their game plan significantly. In the short term, the team will likely lean more on veteran edge rusher Aaron Donald and younger contributors to fill the void, while also increasing the workload for interior defensive linemen. Beyond the on‑field implications, Garrett’s injury raises questions about roster depth and the Rams' ability to adapt mid‑season.
The team’s front office will need to consider whether to promote a practice‑squad player, seek a free‑agent signing, or perhaps explore a trade to bolster the pass‑rush while Garrett recovers. The NFL’s salary‑cap constraints add another layer of complexity, making any move a careful balancing act between immediate needs and long‑term flexibility. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Rams navigate this setback. The loss of a player of Garrett’s caliber can be a catalyst for other players to step up, but it also tests the coaching staff’s ability to maintain defensive cohesion without their star.
Historically, teams that lose a premier pass‑rusher often see a dip in quarterback pressures and an increase in opponent passing yards, which could affect the Rams' overall defensive ranking. Garrett’s rehabilitation will be monitored closely by the team's medical staff.
Modern orthopedic procedures for knee injuries have advanced significantly, allowing many athletes to return to full strength within a few months. However, the exact nature of Garrett’s injury—whether it involves ligament damage, meniscal repair, or cartilage issues—will dictate the precise timeline.
The Rams have a reputation for being diligent in player health management, and they will likely prioritize a full recovery over a rushed return that could jeopardize Garrett’s long‑term performance. While the Rams await news on Garrett’s progress, the broader NFL landscape continues to evolve. The upcoming weeks feature high‑stakes games for several playoff contenders, and the Rams will need to rely on their remaining talent to stay competitive. With Stafford’s veteran poise, the offensive unit can continue to produce points, but the defense will need to compensate for the missing pass‑rush pressure.
For viewers who want to follow the Rams and the rest of the NFL season, live coverage is available on 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. Fans can stay updated on Garrett’s status through official team announcements, press conferences, and reputable sports news outlets. In summary, Myles Garrett’s knee injury and subsequent surgery will keep him off the field for at least four weeks, impacting the Rams’ defensive strategy and roster decisions. The team’s response to this challenge will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain their status as Super Bowl favorites.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how quickly Garrett can recover and rejoin the defense, and whether the Rams can adapt effectively in his absence.