Rams' Week 9 injury updates: Myles Garrett, Terrance Ferguson, and more

The Los Angeles Rams finally kicked off the week with some mostly positive injury news, headlined by Myles Garrett's return to practice from injured reserve. Finally, it's happened. 

Head coach Sean McVay is hopeful that tight end Terrance Ferguson, on IR since leaving Week 3 with an ankle injury, will start his three-week practice window as well.

During Monday's media session, McVay also provided updates on cornerbacks Trent McDuffie (back) and Jaylen Watson (shoulder), who were both banged up in Week 8. The word on both is that they're toughing through it, doing somewhat better than expected, and will be day-to-day leading up to Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Colby Parkinson, who missed last week with a rib injury, is "making really good progress."

Rams have new injuries to watch in addition to IR updates

A few surprises: linebacker Grant Stuard hurt his hamstring, while running back Dean Connors broke his hand, had surgery yesterday, and is "a candidate for IR," per McVay. Stuard participated on special teams in a reduced role and will be "week to week."

Left guard Steve Avila also tweaked a hammy, but the Rams expect him "good to go" in Week 9. If not, they'd likely call on interior backups Beaux Limmer or Bill Murray in his place. Veteran Justin Dedich remains on IR, as he has all season.

Rosterwise, the main concern there is Avila, and McVay didn't sound too worried about his game status.

Garrett and Ferguson

When asked how much ramp-up time Garrett would need, McVay preached caution as to any sort of return timeline. Although he's back in practice, the Rams have three weeks to activate him off IR. In theory, that could take them through the bye, with Garrett debuting in Week 12 against the Packers. 

While Garrett will, at least, definitely be back in practice, Ferguson hasn't yet gotten the all-clear. Still, according to McVay, there's a "good chance" and it's "looking more likely than not" that the Rams will start Ferguson's three-week clock to return. 

He would be a big boost for a passing offense that, in Davante Adams' absence, has devolved to the Puka Nacua Show with the rare guest appearance by supporting cast members. Garrett's return, obviously, would invigorate a pass rush that could use the help even as Josaiah Stewart and Wesley Bailey stepped up big against the Chargers. 

Updates on other Week 8 injuries - McDuffie, Watson, and Parkinson

McDuffie's injury occurred late in the game when, in an awkward play, Chargers running back Kimani Vidal inadvertently gave the star cornerback a knee to the back. Watson left the game before McDuffie, after aggravating the shoulder injury that caused him to miss time earlier this season. 

From the sound of it, fans probably shouldn't expect much clarity on their statuses until closer to the final report on Friday. McVay sounded optimistic about Parkinson.

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