Rams must survive Myles Garrett's absence for his return to move the needle

Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett has yet to make a tackle after four games - of which he's been sidelined for three and counting. Perhaps even more disappointing, he has yet to take a single snap alongside Aaron Donald. Garrett was the whole reason Donald began ramping up for unretirement in earnest.

Ironically, neither player stepped on the field in what may have been defensive coordinator Chris Shula's best-ever performance in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

There's no way Garrett will defend his 2025 Defensive Player of the Year title. He followed up a meaningless Week 1 performance with knee surgery. Late last month, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Garrett is likely to miss at least six weeks. And that's an optimistic estimate.

Including Week 1, that could add up to more than seven weeks of non-impact football for the NFL's No.1 pass rusher. Following medical clearance, Garrett will need additional time to ready up. And then, he will need time to re-integrate within the defense.

Fans have to hope Myles Garrett can rejoin a competitive Rams team

It's demoralizing that Garrett's first opportunity to compete on a true contender is beginning this way. And yet, that's the reality. LA's defense has no other choice but to circle the wagons and make do with its remaining healthy players.

And the group has impressed this season, even without Garrett.

In a Week 4 statement game, it was the Rams defense that grew stronger as the game wore on. That's a new one. The defense snatched defeat from a game that had a road loss written all over it.

Garrett will eventually return. It seems more and more likely that he won't impact the season until the second half. In many ways, Garrett may function more like a trade deadline contributor than a player who has been with the team all season long.

But with that comes a silver lining.

Garrett will return with fresh legs, a red-hot competitive spirit, and a burning desire to make up for lost time. If and when that happens, he will be a force to be reckoned with. Assuming the Rams continue to win, that is.

As long as they remains in contention, Garrett's return could deliver a huge boost.

As always, thanks for reading.

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