Myles Garrett Returning to Rams Practice, but No One Knows When He'll Play

Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett is set to return to practice this week after missing most of the season with a knee injury. Head coach Sean McVay announced the news on Monday. Garrett had surgery on his knee after the Rams' very first game. The team is excited to have him back, but no one is saying exactly when he will play in a real game again.

McVay said the Rams will open a 21-day window that allows Garrett to officially return to the roster. However, the coach made it clear the team will move carefully. "I want to be careful to even set any sort of expectations," McVay said during a video call with reporters. "I think just taking it a day at a time is going to be the best way that we can approach it." He added that the team wants to see how Garrett responds before making any decisions.

Garrett is one of the best defensive players in the NFL. He is 30 years old and has won the league's Defensive Player of the Year award twice. Last season, he set an NFL record with 23 sacks, which means he tackled the opposing quarterback behind the line of scrimmage 23 times. The Rams traded for him in June, giving up edge rusher Jared Verse, a first-round draft pick, and future picks to the Cleveland Browns to get him.

Things were tough for Garrett even before his injury. He missed most of training camp because of a problem with his left knee. He did practice the week before the Rams' season opener on September 11 against the San Francisco 49ers, which was played all the way in Australia. But in that 27-7 loss, Garrett said he played poorly and was not fully focused on the game. "It was the worst version of myself," he said, adding that he was thinking about his health instead of what the 49ers were doing.

Garrett's teammates are happy he is coming back. Cornerback Trent McDuffie said on Monday that having Garrett on the field will be great for the whole team and its defense. "Getting him back on the field I think is going to be really good overall for the team and as a defense," McDuffie said. He said Garrett's energy and skill will help the defense keep getting better.

The Rams are 4-4 this season, meaning they have won four games and lost four. They will face the Washington Commanders, who are 2-4-1, on Sunday in Landover, Maryland. With the NFL trade deadline coming on November 10, McVay said the team is counting on injured players returning rather than trading for new ones. Along with Garrett, the Rams also hope to get back tight end Terrance Ferguson, wide receiver Davante Adams, and defensive lineman Kobie Turner.

There were other injury updates from the team as well. McVay said there is "a good chance" that tight end Terrance Ferguson will return to practice this week, after being out since October 2 with an ankle injury. Cornerback Trent McDuffie, who made an interception in Sunday's 24-9 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, left that game with a back injury. Cornerback Jaylen Watson also left the game early with a shoulder injury, and both players will be checked out during the week.

More injuries were reported from Sunday's game against the Chargers. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was seen leaving the locker room with an ice pack on his right elbow, and McVay said Stafford has had some soreness there. Stafford is expected to speak with reporters on Wednesday. Linebacker Grant Stuard hurt his hamstring during warmups before the game, and running back Dean Connors broke his hand during the game and was scheduled to have surgery on Monday.