Full Breakdown
Rams Face Defensive Crisis as Myles Garrett’s Return Remains Uncertain
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Los Angeles Rams entered Week 4 without two of their premier defensive linemen. Defensive end Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve after arthroscopic knee surgery following the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was also ruled out before the Rams’ Sunday matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. The injuries leave the Rams, a preseason favorite, at 1-2 overall and facing a crucial stretch of games.
Background & Context
Garrett was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in the offseason in a trade that sent Jared Verse and three draft picks to Cleveland. He arrived after a historic 2025 campaign in which he set the NFL single-season record with 23 sacks and earned multiple honors. The Rams promoted him as a cornerstone of their defense.
Timeline
- Week 1: Garrett plays 40 defensive snaps against the 49ers in Melbourne, records no tackles, and later undergoes knee surgery.
- Following weeks: Placed on injured reserve, making him ineligible for at least the next two games.
- Upcoming games: The Rams are scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders later in the season; sources suggest Garrett could be eligible to return by those matchups.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 season: 23 sacks (NFL single-season record).
- Career accolades: Seven Pro Bowls, five First-Team All-Pro selections, two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
- Current season performance: 0 tackles in 40 snaps before injury; Rams record without him is 1-1, overall 1-2.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Sean McVay said Garrett “physically looks good” and is making “good progress” in rehab, but the team has not set a specific timetable for his return. The Rams emphasized that the decision will be based on Garrett’s health rather than a predetermined schedule.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Jonathan Jones, The Athletic reported a “worst-case scenario” of a six-week absence, with one source pointing to a possible return against the Cardinals and another to the Raiders.
- Sean McVay reiterated that the team does not have a concrete timeline and will announce updates when ready.
These differing accounts illustrate the uncertainty surrounding Garrett’s availability.
Why It Matters
Garrett’s absence weakens the Rams’ pass rush, forcing the team to rely on less experienced players against opponents such as the Eagles and the Buffalo Bills, who host the Rams on Monday Night Football in Week 5. Early-season struggles against playoff-caliber teams heighten the urgency of regaining a dominant defensive front.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Myles is good. I’ve seen him in there, he physically looks good,” — Sean McVay, head coach
What’s Next
The Rams will play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, followed by a Monday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. Their next opportunities to potentially see Garrett back on the field are the matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders later in the season, pending his rehabilitation progress.
