SEO Title: Rams place Myles Garrett on injured reserve after knee surgery decision
SEO Description: Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett is set for knee surgery and will miss at least four games on injured reserve.
Rams’ Myles Garrett to miss at least four games after knee surgery
The Los Angeles Rams will be without Myles Garrett for at least four games after deciding the star edge rusher needs surgery on the knee that troubled him through training camp and Thursday’s season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Knee issue forces injured reserve move
Garrett is headed to injured reserve following the procedure, making him unavailable for a minimum of four games. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year had downplayed the injury with the club during the offseason, with his missed practice time described largely as maintenance.
But the knee remained a concern after Garrett arrived from the Cleveland Browns in an offseason blockbuster trade. He acknowledged after Thursday’s defeat that he had not played like himself and was worried about the knee during the game.
- Garrett will have surgery on the knee that limited him in camp and in Week 1.
- His move to injured reserve requires him to sit out at least four games.
- He first could be eligible to return in Week 6, when the Rams host the Arizona Cardinals.
Limited production in 49ers loss
Garrett still produced a team-leading five quarterback pressures against San Francisco, but he did not record a sack or a tackle in the lopsided loss. The long trip to Australia — roughly 15 hours each way — also came amid his attempt to manage the knee problem.
Los Angeles now must reshape its front without its premier outside pass-rushing threat. Opposing offenses can devote fewer blockers to helping against Garrett’s edge pressure while he is sidelined, potentially affecting the entire Rams defense.
Donald’s return could soften the impact
The Rams could receive help from Aaron Donald, who did not play in Week 1. His availability would provide a boost to a pass rush that will otherwise be missing Garrett for the next month.
Los Angeles’ four-game stretch during Garrett’s mandatory absence includes matchups with the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.
- Week 2: Giants
- Week 3: Broncos
- Week 4: Eagles
- Week 5: Bills
- Week 6: Cardinals, Garrett’s earliest possible return date
