Los Angeles Rams star pass rusher Myles Garrett is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee, sidelining him for at least four games. The team placed him on injured reserve following his debut appearance, which was marred by a disappointing performance and the revelation of his ongoing knee issue.

Garrett’s Difficult Rams Debut

Garrett, who was acquired by the Rams in the offseason after a record-breaking season with the Cleveland Browns, experienced a nightmare start to his tenure with his new team. In the Rams’ Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, Garrett failed to record a single tackle. The 27-7 defeat marked a stark contrast to his previous dominance in the league.

Following the game, the 27-year-old acknowledged his subpar performance. “This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there, and I’ve got to be better,” Garrett stated. “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 further elaborated on his struggles, expressing dissatisfaction with his play on the field and his desire to return to his previous elite form.

Injury Timeline and Impact

The decision to place Garrett on injured reserve means he will miss a minimum of four games. This significant absence comes at a challenging point in the Rams’ schedule. Following their trip to Australia, the team faces a demanding stretch, including a home game against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, followed by road games against the Denver Broncos and the Philadelphia Eagles. This period will test the Rams’ depth and resilience without their prized defensive player.

Garrett’s knee issue first surfaced during training camp. At the time, Head Coach Sean McVay downplayed the severity, stating in early August that Garrett was experiencing “a little soreness in his lower half, but nothing to worry about.” McVay emphasized that the team was being cautious, prioritizing Garrett’s long-term health. “We’re erring on the side of being smart with him,” McVay had said. “Reggie (Scott) and those guys do such a great job, and he is as tough as it gets. And so we want to make sure that he feels as good as possible.” McVay had also indicated that Garrett was expected to be ready for the season opener, noting that checks had been performed with “nothing to worry about.”

Rams’ Defensive Outlook

The absence of Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year who set an NFL single-season sack record last year, presents a considerable challenge for the Rams’ defense. However, the team may soon receive a significant boost with the potential return of defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Donald, who retired after the 2022 season, has reportedly come out of retirement. While he did not travel to Australia as he works to regain game fitness, his impending return could help mitigate Garrett’s absence.

Garrett’s Ambitions and Team Goals

Entering his 10th season in the league, Garrett had expressed high ambitions for the current season. “Super Bowl,” Garrett said when asked about his goals. “Win DPOY again, obviously. I think those are the two main things on my mind, and going out and just being the best player I can be.” He also highlighted the potential of the Rams’ defensive line, stating, “I think there is a whole bunch of opportunities out there for, for us as the D-line to be something truly special, and I just want us to be able to realize that and, and never go into the locker room after a game feeling like we could’ve achieved more or done more.” His current injury and subsequent surgery represent a significant setback to these personal and team aspirations.

Looking Ahead

The Rams now face the difficult task of navigating a crucial part of their schedule without one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces. The team’s long-term outlook remains focused on Garrett’s eventual return to full health, but the immediate future will require other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence. The success of their Super Bowl ambitions may hinge on how effectively they can manage this period and integrate Garrett back into the lineup once he is cleared to play.