The Los Angeles Rams face a major defensive setback after superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve following arthroscopic knee surgery. The procedure sidelines the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year for at least the next four games, according to reports from Tom Pelissero. The operation addresses an ailing knee that severely limited the pass rusher throughout training camp and his quiet debut performance.
Blockbuster Acquisition Hits Immediate Roadblock
Garrett’s absence alters the trajectory of the early season for Los Angeles. The franchise invested heavily in the former Cleveland Browns star during a blockbuster June trade.
The Rams surrendered rookie edge rusher Jared Verse alongside a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round selection to acquire the defensive powerhouse. Instead of anchoring an immediate turnaround, Garrett will now target a return in Week 6 when the Rams host the Arizona Cardinals.
Subpar Debut Underlines Physical Toll
Physical limitations visibly hindered Garrett during the Rams’ 27-7 season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia.
Sideline reporting noted that Garrett appeared winded and sluggish throughout the contest. He ultimately finished the game with zero tackles and zero sacks. Speaking after the defeat, Garrett did not shy away from assessing his own subpar performance on the field.
“This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there,” Garrett said following the game. “I’ve got to be better. I’ve got to find a way to recover and get back to the player I know I can be and I’ve shown that I’ve been before.”
Garrett added that his preoccupation with managing his lower-leg pain compromised his focus during the game. “When I was out there I was a little more focused on myself and trying to stay healthy than what they were doing, and it showed. I wasn’t what I needed to be for my team,” he explained.
Brutal Schedule Tests Shrum and McVay
The timing of the surgery creates an immediate challenge for the Rams. They must face a demanding four-game stretch without their marquee defender.
Los Angeles hosts the New York Giants on Monday Night Football next week. Next, the team travels to face the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football in Week 3, visits the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, and returns home to host the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in Week 5.
Aaron Donald Return Delayed
Compounding the defensive puzzle is the status of Aaron Donald. The generational defensive tackle came out of retirement after a two-year hiatus to rejoin the franchise, but he did not suit up for the season opener against San Francisco.
The anticipated pairing of Donald and Garrett on the defensive line will thus be delayed until at least Week 6.
Rehabilitation and the Week 6 Horizon
The earliest allowable date for his activation from injured reserve is ahead of the Week 6 matchup against Arizona.
This timeline provides the Rams with a definitive recovery window as they look to weather a testing opening slate.
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