The Los Angeles Rams will feature two of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players together for the first time Sunday when defensive end Myles Garrett returns from injury and lines up alongside three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
Garrett, activated from injured reserve Friday, will make his first appearance since undergoing knee surgery in September, ending a seven-game absence. The Rams (4-4) aim to improve their pass rush, which ranks 26th in the NFL with just 12 sacks. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed Garrett’s return, stating he could play a significant role, including on early downs depending on his condition.
The reunion of Garrett and Donald follows a blockbuster trade in June that sent a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-rounder, and a 2029 third-rounder to the Cleveland Browns for Garrett, who was then signed to a five-year, $208 million contract. Garrett set an NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks last year but managed no tackles in his lone appearance this season—a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Donald, who came out of retirement this summer, missed the season opener due to conditioning but is now expected to play. The duo, with a combined 236.5 career sacks, have expressed excitement about their potential impact. Garrett noted the challenge for offenses: “Who’s going to be freed-up this play?” Donald called it “good when you’ve got all the pieces to the puzzle out there.”
The Rams face the Washington Commanders at 1:00 p.m. ET Sunday. Garrett’s return marks the first time the two stars share the field since his trade, fulfilling a long-anticipated pairing that could reshape the NFL’s defensive landscape.