The Rams are getting closer to a key checkpoint with Myles Garrett, but they still aren’t saying exactly when he’ll be back on the practice field.
As Los Angeles gets ready for its Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Garrett is now more than six weeks out from knee surgery and has already missed six games, including the Rams’ matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Outside reporting has repeatedly pointed to a six-week recovery window, and that mark was always viewed as the worst-case scenario.
Still, Sean McVay kept things deliberately vague when asked about Garrett’s status.
“I'm not sure yet. I have not decided on those things,” McVay said.
“Once I get with Reggie and talk about the approach for the week. Then I will follow their guidance based on where he's at and how he's feeling.”
Late last week, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that Garrett was likely to return to practice this week and could play in Week 8. McVay also said Friday that Garrett coming back to practice next week was possible, but added that he wanted to speak with Garrett and the team’s training staff before making any call.
The Rams have handled Garrett’s situation cautiously from the start. He was sidelined late in training camp because of knee swelling, then played in Week 1 before not feeling like himself and landing on injured reserve the following week.
That patience is part of the plan now, too. Los Angeles wants Garrett fully healthy before he steps back in, and after waiting this long, the team clearly isn’t going to rush the process.
McVay is scheduled to address the media again on Wednesday, and that could bring a little more clarity. If Garrett is not practicing by Thursday, his chances of playing this week would appear slim. When the Rams designated Keagen Trost to return from injured reserve, they started his 21-day window on the Thursday before the game.
If Garrett does get back on the field soon, the timing could matter a lot. The Rams defense has been solid, but it has not generated steady pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the team enters Week 8 ranked 27th in sack rate.
At 3-4, Los Angeles is heading into a stretch that matters, and getting Garrett back would be a welcome boost as the Rams try to build off their win over the Raiders.
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