Full Breakdown
Myles Garrett’s Six-Week Recovery Timeline Shapes the Rams’ Early-Season Outlook
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Knee Surgery Leaves Defensive Star Out for Six Weeks
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after aggravating a knee issue during training camp. Sources from NFL Network and ESPN’s Ian Rapoport report that the Rams have set a six-week recovery timeline. Under NFL injured-reserve rules, Garrett must miss at least four weeks, pushing his earliest possible return to Week 9 against the Washington Commanders on November 8. The Rams said they will not rush his return despite Garrett’s determination to “beat the timeline.”
Background & Context
The Rams acquired Garrett on June 1 in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, sending linebacker Jared Verse and three future picks. Garrett entered the 2026 season as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year after posting 23 sacks in 2025 and ranking third among active players with 125.5 career sacks. He appeared limited in the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers on September 11 in Melbourne, recording no tackles.
Timeline
Data & Statistics
- Recovery timeline: ~6 weeks (Rapoport).
- Minimum IR stay: 4 weeks per league rule.
- Games missed: Weeks 6-8 (Cardinals, Raiders, Chargers) if the six-week estimate holds.
- Accolades: 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, 23 sacks in 2025, 125.5 career sacks.
- Trade assets: Jared Verse, 2027 first-round, 2028 second-round, 2029 conditional third-round picks.
Official Statements & Responses
Rams head coach Sean McVay emphasized a cautious approach, noting the team will not rush Garrett back and that he must miss at least four weeks. He described Garrett’s post-surgery progress as “feeling good” and likened his recovery speed to “Wolverine, healing fast,” while stressing the timeline remains a minimum. NFL insider Ian Rapoport disclosed the six-week estimate and reiterated that Garrett is “determined to beat the timeline,” but the organization will prioritize health over a quick return.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early reports suggested a four-week window, which would have placed Garrett back for the Week 6 matchup on October 18. Updates from Rapoport extended the estimate to six weeks, shifting the realistic return to Week 9 on November 8. No source provides a definitive date beyond the six-week projection, leaving uncertainty about an earlier comeback.
Verbatim Quote
- “I'm reluctant to put a timeline on it. We've talked about it. We know that he's going to miss those four weeks at a minimum and we're not going to rush him back,” — Sean McVay
Why It Matters / Impact
Garrett’s absence removes the Rams’ premier pass-rusher from a defense that ranks sixth in yards allowed. The team must rely on younger players such as Josaiah Stewart, Byron Young and undrafted rookie Wesley Bailey to generate pressure, a strategy that shows promise but lacks Garrett’s elite production. The timing coincides with a challenging stretch that includes a Sunday Night Football road game at Denver’s Empower Field, followed by matchups against the Raiders, Chargers and a pivotal divisional clash with the 49ers later in the season. A healthy Garrett in November and December could be pivotal for the Rams’ Super Bowl aspirations, but the six-week timeline means the first half of the campaign proceeds without the player the franchise traded significant capital to acquire.