The
Watson, who signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the franchise in March, sustained the injury during the team's Week 8 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers. The decision to undergo surgery follows an earlier dislocation in Week 3 that had already sidelined him for one game. Despite the player's desire to continue competing, medical advice indicated a high probability of further damage if he remained on the field.
Impact of Watson's Absence and Roster Updates
Reflecting on the loss, McVay praised Watson’s contributions, noting that the cornerback had exceeded expectations since joining the team. Across seven appearances this season, Watson recorded 24 tackles and one interception. His defensive impact was statistically significant, as he allowed a completion percentage of just 48.5% when serving as the nearest defender, ranking him fourth-lowest among players with at least 30 targets according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
While the team deals with the loss of Watson, the Rams received positive news regarding other personnel. McVay confirmed that the practice window has officially opened for star pass rusher
Garrett, who has been on injured reserve since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in mid-September, is expected to handle approximately half of the team's practice repetitions on Wednesday. The pass rusher appeared in the Rams' season opener but had previously noted he was not at full health. McVay expressed optimism about Garrett's return, emphasizing a cautious, day-by-day approach to his recovery as the team monitors his response to increased physical activity.
