Woodland Hills, CA.— The Los Angeles Rams could be getting one of their biggest defensive weapons back Sunday as Myles Garrett continues making progress toward returning from a knee injury ahead of the team’s matchup with the Washington Commanders.
Garrett has made significant strides during this week’s practices, giving the Rams reason for optimism as they prepare for the road contest. However, head coach Sean McVay said the organization is still determining how many snaps the defensive standout will handle if he is cleared to play.
McVay has been impressed with Garrett’s work throughout the week, particularly his participation Wednesday and Thursday.
“He has progressed really well, made a tremendous impact in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and feels really comfortable with the game plan,” McVay said. “And it’s been great.”
The Rams are taking a measured approach with Garrett, understanding the importance of getting him back into the lineup without placing unnecessary demands on his recovering knee.
If Garrett is active as expected, he will have an opportunity to line up alongside defensive tackle Aaron Donald for the first time. Donald did not play in the season opener while working his way back from retirement, which was Garrett’s first and only appearance for Los Angeles this season.
The possibility of having both defensive stars on the field together presents a difficult challenge for opposing offensive lines.
Garrett understands the attention that the combination could create and believes both players can benefit from the opportunities that come with playing alongside one another.
“I think the offenses really have to pick their poison,” Garrett said. “Who’s going to be freed up this play? And I think either of us are pretty good at winning one-on-one, so we’ll have some fun.”
Garrett Explains Knee Problems
Garrett has been on injured reserve since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in mid-September. Although he appeared in the Rams’ season opener, he acknowledged afterward that he was not completely healthy.
He also missed much of training camp while dealing with what McVay initially described as knee irritation.
According to Garrett, the injury was not caused by one specific incident. Instead, the discomfort gradually worsened as he continued playing against the San Francisco 49ers.
“There were just some hitches in my gait,” Garrett explained. “There were just things I was dealing with mechanically that just only continued to evolve, or I guess worsen, as I played more throughout that game.”
The Rams have been cautious with his recovery, recognizing the importance of having him healthy for the remainder of the season.
Los Angeles made a significant investment in Garrett during the offseason, acquiring the defensive star from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jared Verse and three draft picks, including a 2027 first-round selection.
Garrett earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025 after establishing a single-season record with 23 sacks while playing for Cleveland. His return would give the Rams a proven difference-maker capable of changing games with his pass-rushing ability.
Ferguson Also Expected Back
The Rams could receive another offensive boost with tight end Terrance Ferguson working toward a return.
Ferguson has missed five games after suffering an ankle sprain during the Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos. His return would provide quarterback Matthew Stafford with another receiving option and improve the team’s depth at tight end.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is monitoring the status of cornerback Trent McDuffie, another major offseason addition.
McVay said McDuffie will not practice again Friday and will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. The cornerback injured his back during the Rams’ Week 8 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
McDuffie’s availability is important for a secondary that will face another challenging assignment against Washington.
Rams Look to Maintain Momentum
The Rams are hoping to carry that momentum into Washington while continuing to improve on both sides of the football.
Garrett’s potential return could provide a major boost to the defensive front, especially if he gets an opportunity to work alongside Donald.
The coaching staff will ultimately determine how much Garrett can contribute, but his progress this week is an encouraging development for a team with postseason aspirations.
For the Rams, getting Garrett back on the field could make an already talented defense even more dangerous.
Next Up: The Los Angeles Rams travel to Landover, Maryland, to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
