The Los Angeles Rams face a longer-than-expected absence from star edge rusher Myles Garrett as he recovers from knee surgery. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Wednesday that Garrett is “likely out another two or three weeks at least.”
Garrett underwent arthroscopic surgery after playing through a knee issue in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. He was placed on injured reserve following that game, meeting the league’s four-game minimum before becoming eligible for activation.
Rams coach Sean McVay ruled Garrett out for Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals. McVay made the same determination ahead of Sunday’s Week 7 road game against the Las Vegas Raiders, keeping Garrett’s 21-day practice window closed.
A recovery timeline of roughly six to eight weeks had circulated earlier, which could place a potential return between Weeks 8 and 10. The Rams host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8, travel to the Washington Commanders in Week 9 and face the Cardinals again in Week 10 before their bye in Week 11.
That schedule window gives the Rams flexibility to prioritize full recovery over an earlier return if Garrett continues to progress carefully. The team has already emphasized caution with the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, who appeared in only one game this season.
The cost of acquiring Garrett remains significant. In the offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns, the Rams sent Jared Verse along with a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.
Graziano noted the limited remaining draft capital available to the Rams for any potential midseason moves.
“They don’t have a ton to trade,” he wrote, nothing the number of big trades the team has made recently.
The injury situation has compounded across the roster. Wide receiver Davante Adams is expected to miss six to 10 weeks after rupturing his hamstring in the Week 6 loss, requiring surgery to repair the injury.
Nose tackle Poona Ford is out for the season with a ruptured triceps, and kicker Blake Grupe is done for the year after tearing his ACL. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner is headed to injured reserve with a groin strain.
Meanwhile, the Browns have maintained strong pass-rush production without Garrett. Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot posted Wednesday that the Browns rank second in the NFL with 19 sacks, trailing only the Detroit Lions’ 20.
Cabot noted the total came despite the absences of Garrett and Alex Wright (Achilles) and with Verse still searching for his first sack. Head coach Todd Monken credited coordinators Mike Rutenberg and Jacques Cesaire for maintaining the defensive standard.
The contrast highlights the immediate return the Browns have received from the trade assets while the Rams wait for Garrett to contribute. Los Angeles entered the week at 2-4 after the home loss to Arizona.
Garrett’s return timeline will dictate how much the Rams can lean on their defensive front down the stretch. McVay has not committed to a specific date, leaving the focus on week-to-week progress rather than a fixed target.
The team’s remaining schedule and bye week provide a natural point for evaluation once Garrett is cleared to practice. Until then, the Rams continue without their high-profile addition on the edge.
