Rams to Delay Myles Garrett's Return While His Official Comeback Date Remains Unclear

The Los Angeles Rams are preparing to delay Myles Garrett's comeback despite encouraging progress in his recovery from knee surgery, leaving the NFL superstar's return date uncertain as the team waits for its blockbuster defensive acquisition to regain full fitness.

Head coach Sean McVay has indicated that the Rams are unlikely to open Garrett's practice window immediately, even though the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year is eligible to begin the return process.

With Los Angeles banking on Garrett to strengthen its championship push, the decision underlines the team's determination not to rush its prized acquisition back before he is ready.

Rams Unlikely To Open Myles Garrett's Practice Window

Garrett has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on his left knee following the Rams' season-opening defeat against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. The 30-year-old had struggled with knee irritation during training camp and was unable to make his expected impact in the opener, finishing without a tackle.

Los Angeles subsequently placed the defensive end on injured reserve on 17 September, ruling him out for at least four games. Although Garrett became eligible to begin the return process after Week 5, McVay indicated that the team was unlikely to open his 21-day practice window immediately.

'It's kind of week to week in terms of how he feels, but I would say it's more likely that we do not start his clock next week,' McVay said on 10 October.

The decision does not necessarily indicate a setback. Instead, the Rams want to assess Garrett's progress carefully before allowing him to resume football activities and work towards a return to the active roster.

Sean McVay Prioritises Performance Over An Early Comeback

McVay has stressed that being cleared to play is not the same as being ready to perform at an elite level. The coach has consulted team physician Neal ElAttrache as the Rams monitor Garrett's rehabilitation and determine when he can safely progress to more demanding activities.

'There's a difference between return to play and return to performance,' McVay explained, highlighting why the team is reluctant to rush the defensive star back into action.

The coach has nevertheless offered encouraging signs about Garrett's recovery, saying the surgery went well and that the player was making good progress. McVay also suggested that the next stage could move relatively quickly once Garrett meets the required benchmarks and his knee responds positively to football-specific drills.

Blockbuster Trade Raises Stakes For Los Angeles

Garrett's absence is particularly significant given the price Los Angeles paid to acquire him from the Cleveland Browns in June. The Rams surrendered outside linebacker Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick to secure one of the NFL's most feared pass rushers.

The move was intended to strengthen a defence with championship ambitions, making Garrett's fitness a major storyline as the season unfolds. His record-breaking 23-sack campaign in 2025 demonstrated the game-changing ability Los Angeles hoped to add to its defensive front.

For now, the Rams must continue without the full impact they expected from their marquee acquisition.

When Could Myles Garrett Return?

Garrett's return remains dependent on his rehabilitation rather than a fixed timetable. Los Angeles faces the Arizona Cardinals on 18 October before a series of fixtures against the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders.

Those games provide context for the team's upcoming schedule, but none has been confirmed as Garrett's comeback target. An earlier reported recovery estimate of approximately six weeks has fuelled speculation about his availability later in the season, although McVay has declined to commit to that timeline.

The Rams' immediate priority is ensuring Garrett can return to his usual standard without compromising his recovery. Until he progresses to football-specific work and demonstrates that his knee can withstand the demands of competition, his official return date will remain unclear.