Full Breakdown
Myles Garrett’s Knee Surgery Sends Los Angeles Rams to Injured Reserve
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Surgery and IR Placement
The Los Angeles Rams announced that defensive end Myles Garrett will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and be placed on injured reserve, obligating a minimum four-game absence covering the Week 2 matchup with the New York Giants and games against the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. He will be eligible to return in Week 6 when the Rams host the Arizona Cardinals.
Background & Context
Garrett arrived in Los Angeles in June as the centerpiece of a trade with the Cleveland Browns that also sent linebacker Jared Verse and three future picks to Cleveland. The Rams entered the 2026 season as early Super Bowl favorites, counting on Garrett’s two-time Defensive Player of the Year pedigree and the return of Aaron Donald from retirement.
During training camp Garrett missed most practices because of knee swelling. He returned for the season-opening game in Melbourne, a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and later described his performance as “the worst version of myself,” noting the injury limited his play.
Data & Statistics
- Game result: 27-7 loss to the 49ers in Melbourne.
- Snap participation: 62 % of defensive snaps (40 of 65).
- Production: zero tackles, zero sacks, no quarterback pressures.
- Team pressure ranking: 26th after the opener.
- IR rule: four-game minimum; eligible return Week 6.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Sean McVay said the decision followed a post-game conversation with Garrett and a review of his on-field impact.
McVay noted Aaron Donald remains off the commissioner’s exempt list and will count against the 53-man roster, saying, “He’s going to continue to work his process, and we’ll see what that looks like.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on which knee is affected; some specify the left knee, others simply note a sleeve on his left leg. The precise injury—meniscal tear, cartilage issue, or other—has not been disclosed, so the Week 6 return remains an estimate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there,” — Myles Garrett
- “I've got to find a way to recover and get back to the player I know I can be,” — Myles Garrett
- “The reality is, our job is to put our players and our team in positions to have successful outcomes,” — Sean McVay
What's Next
The Rams will rely on defensive linemen Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske to fill Garrett’s role while Aaron Donald’s status remains uncertain. If Donald is cleared, he could boost the Week 2 home opener against the Giants. Should Garrett return on schedule, his first game back will be against the Cardinals in mid-October, offering the first chance for the anticipated Garrett-Donald tandem to play together.