The Los Angeles Rams announced Monday that star defensive end Myles Garrett will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and be placed on injured reserve, effective immediately.
Garrett, acquired from the Cleveland Browns in a June trade, is expected to miss a minimum of four games, with his return timeline dependent on recovery. The Rams confirmed the move in a team statement, noting Garrett’s absence will begin with the team’s next four opponents: the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Garrett’s performance in Week 1 was notably limited. He played 40 of 65 snaps in the Rams’ 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, recording zero tackles—only the fourth time in his nine-year career he failed to record a tackle. Garrett described his performance as “the worst version of myself,” citing concerns about his health during the game.
The Rams had already faced setbacks in their season opener, including the absence of Aaron Donald, who did not travel to Australia due to a cautious ramp-up period after returning from a two-year retirement. Donald, a future Hall of Famer, is expected to make his season debut when the Rams host the Giants on September 21 for their home opener.
Team and league implications
The Rams entered the season as Super Bowl favorites, with Garrett’s arrival from Cleveland—a trade that cost the Rams a 2027 first-round draft pick, Jared Verse, and two additional selections—seen as a major upgrade. Garrett, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, recorded 23 sacks last season and 125.5 sacks over nine seasons with the Browns.
His injury compounds early-season struggles for a Rams team already reeling from a lopsided defeat. The team’s defensive unit, which includes Donald and Garrett, was expected to be a cornerstone of their championship aspirations. The Rams’ next four games, all against teams projected to compete for playoff spots, will test their depth without Garrett.
Medical details and recovery timeline
Multiple sources, including The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, reported that Garrett’s surgery is scheduled as an arthroscopy, a procedure typically involving a trim rather than a full repair. If the initial MRI findings hold, Garrett’s four-week absence aligns with the Rams’ expectations for his return.
The team has not provided further updates on Garrett’s recovery progress, and his status beyond the minimum four games remains uncertain. The Rams’ medical staff will monitor his rehabilitation closely, with the possibility of an extended absence if complications arise.
Roster adjustments and outlook
The Rams will rely on depth players and Donald’s return to fill the void left by Garrett. The team’s defensive line, already bolstered by Donald’s comeback, will need to adapt quickly to the absence of its marquee acquisition. Garrett’s ability to return at full strength will be critical for the Rams’ playoff push, particularly in a competitive NFC West division.
For now, the Rams must navigate a challenging stretch without one of the league’s most dominant defensive players, while hoping Garrett’s recovery proceeds as planned.