A Disaster for Myles Garrett

The Los Angeles Rams may have to wait longer before their star acquisition returns. Myles Garrett, who is recovering from knee surgery, could be sidelined for about six weeks, according to reports from the NFL Network.

This timeline exceeds the initial estimate for the spectacular defensive lineman's return. Garrett was placed on injured reserve after playing in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.

The two-time Defensive Player of the Year was visibly hampered by his knee during that game. He had also experienced swelling in his knee during training camp, causing him to miss a significant portion of the Rams' practice sessions.

Garrett remains eligible to return after four games, which could allow him to come back in Week 6, when Los Angeles faces the Arizona Cardinals on October 18.

However, a six-week recovery period could further delay his return. In particular, he could miss the games against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers before aiming for a possible return against the Washington Commanders.

Garrett would obviously like to return before then. The Rams, however, want to avoid taking any risks with a player for whom they paid a particularly high price on the trade market.

A major acquisition the Rams want to protect

Los Angeles sent Jared Verse and three draft picks—including a first-round pick in 2027—to the Cleveland Browns to acquire Garrett.

The defensive lineman had also just had an exceptional season in Cleveland. He set an NFL record with 23 sacks in a single season and now has five All-Pro first-team selections to his credit.

Sean McVay declined to set a specific date for his return. The head coach even compared Garrett to Wolverine because of his ability to recover quickly, while reiterating that the Rams don't want to rush things.

The arthroscopic surgery was intended, in particular, to reduce discomfort and swelling in his knee.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles must also cope with the absence of Puka Nacua. The wide receiver is dealing with a groin injury and could return as early as Week 4. Unlike Garrett's situation, the Rams view this injury as a short-term issue.

For Los Angeles, the coming weeks will therefore determine how long the team will have to play without its two most important offensive and defensive players.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.