Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett will be out for a minimum of four weeks after requiring knee surgery, the club confirmed on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, who recently joined Los Angeles from the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster trade, was already dealing with a knee issue that kept him out of most of training camp. Although he made his Rams debut in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, the subsequent decision was made to proceed with a minor operation.
Garrett has been placed on the NFL’s injured reserve list, which mandates a four-game absence. He posted a league-record 23 sacks last season but recorded no tackle for loss against the 49ers in the 27-7 loss—a rare statistical blemish in his career.
“I don’t really have a timeline yet,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “It’s all contingent upon surgery… We know that he’ll be available in four weeks potentially, so we’ll just take that a day at a time.”
Following the game, Garrett expressed confidence in his recovery. “I’ve got to find a way to recover and get back to the player I know I can be and I’ve shown that I’ve been before,” he said.
The Rams’ defensive outlook remains complicated as they also weigh the status of Aaron Donald. The three-time defensive player of the year came out of retirement but did not travel to Australia. McVay stated the team has not yet decided whether the 35-year-old will face the New York Giants next week.
If Aaron Donald also sits, this defense is going to struggle big time. What happens next week against the Giants?
Wait, didn’t he just get traded from Cleveland? The timing here is insane. Hope he recovers fast.
So soon after the trade? This is a brutal blow for LA’s title hopes already. Tough break.