The Los Angeles Rams may be getting a major defensive piece back soon, and the timing could matter a lot as their season tries to steady itself.
Myles Garrett, who has been out since Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers after landing on injured reserve with a knee injury, is reportedly close to returning to practice. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said the outlook has brightened noticeably.
“There is optimism that Myles Garrett returns to practice this week. I know there was optimism last week, and much more this week. He should practice and should be on the field playing relatively quickly,” Rapoport wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
That would be a welcome development for a Rams team that has already had to navigate a 3-4 start and a pileup of injuries to key players. Garrett’s absence has been felt on defense, especially when it comes to generating pressure on the quarterback. Getting him back into the lineup could change the look of that unit in a hurry.
The Rams spent significant assets in the offseason to bring Garrett in, and the expectation is that his return will help justify that move once he’s back on the field.
For now, the Rams turn their attention to this week’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, who have yet to win a game this season. A win there would move the Rams to 4-4, and that would at least keep them within striking distance as they wait for more reinforcements to get healthy.
From @NFLGameDay Morning: The NFL continues to review #Packers RB Josh Jacobs, as more allegations come to light; Plus, the latest on when Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett could return. pic.twitter.com/KKQp1BWAsS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2026
After that, the spotlight shifts squarely to Garrett and whether this latest optimism turns into a return to action.
In Other News...
Rams May Be Making The Smart Call With Trent McDuffie
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McDuffie is listed as questionable for Week 8, and the cautious approach makes sense with a softer matchup on the schedule. Josh Wallace has held up reasonably well in his place, which gives the Rams some flexibility to avoid rushing McDuffie back before he is fully ready. For a defense that added Myles Garrett, McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to change its outlook, the bigger picture may matter more than forcing one player into action too soon. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Offseason Squeeze Is Putting Several Veteran Jobs In Doubt
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For veterans such as Tutu Atwell, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and David Quessenberry, the squeeze is real. Limited opportunities, roster depth and salary cap considerations all point in the same direction, and the Rams may have to make some uncomfortable choices as they sort out who fits beyond the present season. The decisions ahead are less about sentiment than survival, and they could reshape a few familiar spots on the roster sooner than expected. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Face A Trade Deadline Twist In Josh Downs Pursuit
The Colts sudden sell-off has put Josh Downs squarely on the market, and the Rams are among the teams keeping close watch. Indianapolis has already moved on from Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, and Downs has now officially asked to be traded, turning a once-unthinkable possibility into one of the more intriguing deadline storylines for a Los Angeles team that could use more help at receiver.
What makes the situation tricky is that the Colts still appear to prefer keeping Downs, even while valuing him at a third-round pick. Trade discussions around Jonathan Taylor have also picked up, and the order in which Indianapolis chooses to move assets could shape whether Los Angeles gets a real opening on Downs or has to wait and see how the rest of the Colts deadline picture unfolds. [Read more 🡒]