The Los Angeles Rams will be without Myles Garrett for at least four games after the defensive end underwent a knee operation and was placed on injured reserve. The move removes Garrett from the lineup for a minimum span while the team monitors his recovery and manages roster needs.
Garrett, 30, arrived in Los Angeles this summer in a high-profile trade from the Cleveland Browns and came into the season as the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He made his Rams debut in last week’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, a match the Rams lost 27-7, and did not record a tackle in that game, the fourth time in his career that has happened.
The club said Garrett missed most of training camp because of the knee issue and determined after the opener that a minor surgical procedure was necessary. Placing him on injured reserve means he must sit out at least four games while he recovers. Head coach Sean McVay declined to give a firm timetable, saying, "I don't really [have a timeline] yet," and adding, "We know that he'll be available in four weeks potentially, so we'll just take that a day at a time."
Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record last year with 23 sacks and is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. His absence immediately shifts the Rams’ defensive plan and increases the significance of Aaron Donald’s presence; Donald returned from retirement this season but did not travel to Australia for the opener. McVay said the team has not decided whether Donald will play in the next game against the New York Giants.
The Rams will track Garrett’s post-operative progress and evaluate how to cover his snaps while he completes rehabilitation. In the short term the coaching staff must adapt personnel and game plans without the edge rusher who led the league in sacks last season, then reassess availability as follow-up assessments provide clearer timelines.
