Garrett, who joined the Rams this offseason following a high-profile trade from the Cleveland Browns, participated in the team's opening defeat against the San Francisco 49ers. However, his performance during the game was hampered by the lingering knee issue that had troubled him throughout the preseason.
Injury timeline and impact on the Rams defense
Following the loss to the 49ers, Garrett was candid about his physical state, describing his outing as the worst version of himself he had produced on the field. He acknowledged that his knee was not at full health heading into the matchup, a concern that had been evident during training camp when he missed significant time due to persistent swelling.
While Garrett has not publicly specified which knee is affected, he was observed wearing a sleeve on his left leg during various practice sessions leading up to the season opener. Rams head coach
The move to injured reserve means Garrett will be sidelined for at least the immediate future as he undergoes the necessary surgical procedure and subsequent rehabilitation. His absence is a major setback for a Los Angeles defense that acquired him for his elite pass-rushing capabilities, highlighted by his record-setting sack performance during the previous campaign with Cleveland. The team will now have to adjust its defensive strategy while waiting for the star player to recover and return to the lineup.