Texas A&M Legend Myles Garrett Faces Delayed Return From Knee Injury With Rams

Former Texas A&M defensive star Myles Garrett will have to wait a little longer before making his return to the field for the Los Angeles Rams.

Garrett, who underwent surgery on his left knee last month, is making progress in his recovery. However, Rams head coach Sean McVay indicated Saturday that the team is unlikely to open the defensive end's 21-day practice window next week, delaying his potential return beyond his initial eligibility date.

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"It's week to week in terms of how he feels, but I would say it's more likely that we do not start his clock next week," McVay said Saturday. "There's a difference between return to play and return to performance. When you do something like this, let's put him in a good position to return to performance."

The update means Los Angeles will continue exercising caution with its biggest offseason acquisitions. Garrett was placed on injured reserve Sept. 17 after dealing with irritation in his left knee during training camp and the team's season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.

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Garrett initially struggled in that opening matchup, and the knee issue contributed to the decision to pursue surgery. Although he was expected to miss at least four games, the Rams have remained careful about establishing a firm timetable for his return.

The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year is eligible to return from injured reserve, but that does not mean he is ready to resume practicing. Once Los Angeles opens his practice window, the team will have 21 days to activate him before he must return to the active roster or remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

For the Rams, Garrett's absence is a significant setback as they look to establish themselves as contenders in the NFC. Los Angeles made a major investment to acquire the star pass rusher from the Cleveland Browns during the offseason, hoping his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks would transform the defense.

Garrett enters his 10th NFL season after a historic 2025 campaign in which he recorded 23 sacks, setting a new single-season league record and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. His return could provide a major boost to a Rams defense that has been waiting to see what its new centerpiece can accomplish.

Texas A&M fans have another reason to follow Garrett's recovery closely. The former Aggie remains one of the program's most recognizable NFL alumni, and his continued dominance at the professional level has strengthened his legacy in College Station.

For now, the Rams appear more concerned with getting Garrett fully healthy than rushing him back into action. If his recovery continues in the right direction, Los Angeles could eventually welcome its star defender back in the coming weeks, but his exact return date remains uncertain.