Myles Garrett's expected Week 9 return comes at perfect time for Rams fans

The Los Angeles Rams are expected to have Myles Garrett back against the Commanders, head coach Sean McVay said Friday. It's the best possible scenario after Garrett's return to practice earlier in the week. In theory, the Rams could have kept him sidelined until after the Week 11 bye.

While Garrett will probably be on a pitch count, his return would also be the perfect boon in the wake of Jaylen Watson's season-ending shoulder surgery. One star out the door, another back in. 

And with the Rams secondary theoretically equipped to survive Watson's absence, getting Garrett back to boost a lopsided pass rush could prove to be a net gain once he reaches full strength. 

Myles Garrett's return would help Rams counteract loss of Watson

Losing Watson strains the Rams' cornerback depth, but for now, Josh Wallace is a solid second starter alongside Trent McDuffie. How Emmanuel Forbes will hold up with an increased weekly workload remains to be seen, but he's played well in limited reps. Backed by a strong safety corps, the secondary should be able to make do. 

That said, it's not a great feeling at present with McDuffie and Kam Curl logging DNPs in practice throughout the week. Both are questionable for the game, said McVay.

Garrett's return, meanwhile, could be monumental for a pass rush that has relied almost exclusively on Byron Young for splash plays. Josaiah Stewart and Wesley Bailey have had their moments, like last week versus the Chargers, and are quality rotational pieces. 

But the interior is missing Kobie Turner and Poona Ford. Only Young has more than two sacks on the year. Aside from him, Turner was the best source of pass-rush pressure. The others haven't provided a whole lot there.

Garrett, then, will step into a clear need after watching from the sidelines since Week 1. After playing hurt against the 49ers, he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and has gradually progressed to football-ready status. The Rams have been cautious throughout his recovery, but evidently Garrett is clearing all the checkpoints - enough so to give him a realistic shot at suiting up in Week 9.

For LA fans wondering when or if the deluge of bad news would ever let up, perhaps this is the first sign that the tide is turning at least somewhat for the better. The Rams have slipped and stumbled their way to a 4-4 record. With Seattle's struggles in the NFC West, a wild card berth is still there for the taking. Assuming, of course, that someone in the NFC North decides to lose a few games. 

Other injury report updates

Even better, if Garrett does return he likely won't be alone. Head coach Sean McVay said running back Ronnie Rivers, also on IR, would be activated. Tight end Terrance Ferguson is back in practice as well and could suit up for the first time since Week 3. 

He is questionable along with Colby Parkinson, receiver Jordan Whittington, and linebacker Grant Stuard. Longsnapper Joe Cardona is doubtful.

Now, if McDuffie can find a way to play, the Rams might just end up on the positive side of the injury ledger for once. Either way, getting Garrett back would be a boost worth celebrating. 

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