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 move comes after Garrett was placed on the injured reserve list following his debut with the Rams in their Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. This significant blow impacts the team’s defensive capabilities early in the season.
Garrett’s Difficult Rams Debut and Injury Diagnosis
Garrett, acquired by the Rams in a high-profile offseason trade from the Cleveland Browns, had a challenging start to his tenure. In his first appearance for Los Angeles, he failed to record a single tackle during the 27-7 defeat against the 49ers. Following the game, the 27-year-old acknowledged his performance was subpar and attributed it to not being at full health.
“This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there, and I’ve got to be better,” Garrett stated after the game. “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 performance, adding, “I wasn’t the player that I wanted to be, and I feel like I wasn’t the player I’ve been before when I’ve stepped onto that field. I’ve got to do what I can to get back to that.”
The decision to place Garrett on injured reserve means he will miss a minimum of four games. This period includes upcoming matchups against the New York Giants, followed by road games against the Denver Broncos and the Philadelphia Eagles, presenting a demanding early-season schedule for the Rams.
Team’s Perspective and Return of Aaron Donald
The Rams are taking a long-term approach to Garrett’s recovery, prioritizing his health for the remainder of the season. While Garrett’s absence is a significant setback, the team may soon receive a boost with the potential return of defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Donald, who came out of retirement, did not travel to Australia for the season opener as he worked to regain game fitness. His reintegration could help mitigate the impact of Garrett’s injury.
Previous Injury Concerns and Management
Garrett’s knee issue first surfaced during the team’s training camp. At the time, Head Coach Sean McVay downplayed the severity of the problem, noting that Garrett had sat out three practices in early August due to what was described as “a little soreness in his lower half.” McVay emphasized a cautious approach, stating, “We’re erring on the side of being smart with him.” He expressed confidence in the team’s medical staff and Garrett’s toughness, aiming to ensure he felt as good as possible.
“I don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but I would expect him to be ready to go in the next block,” McVay had said in early August, reassuring that there was “no reason for concern.” He explained the team’s strategy was to keep Garrett as fresh as possible for the opening game in Australia. “It’s more about how do we keep him as fresh as possible… so that when we do play in Australia, he’s ready to go and do his thing.” McVay had also confirmed Garrett had undergone checkups, reinforcing the belief that the issue was minor at that stage.
Garrett’s durability has been a hallmark of his career, having missed only two games over his last five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. His previous record included an impressive 23 sacks in the last year, earning him his second Defensive Player of the Year award.
Garrett’s Ambitions and Team Goals
Despite the current injury setback, Garrett’s personal and team aspirations remain high. He joined the Rams, a team with Super Bowl aspirations, aiming for continued individual success and team glory. “Super Bowl,” Garrett had stated regarding his goals for the season. “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 expressed optimism about the potential of the Rams’ defensive line, envisioning a special unit. “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.” The team now faces the challenge of navigating a crucial part of their schedule without their star pass rusher, while simultaneously working towards integrating other key players and managing injuries.
Conclusion
Myles Garrett’s knee surgery marks a significant, albeit temporary, disruption for the Los Angeles Rams. The team’s strategic placement of him on injured reserve underscores a commitment to his long-term health, a critical factor given his past performance and future potential. As the Rams prepare for a challenging stretch of games, the focus will be on defensive adjustments and the anticipated return of Aaron Donald, all while awaiting Garrett’s eventual comeback to the field.
