The Los Angeles Rams might soon be getting a major boost to their pass rush.
Myles Garrett is returning to practice this week, head coach Sean McVay announced during his media availability on Monday, Nov. 2. While McVay was noncommittal about setting a deadline for the superstar defensive end’s return to the field, the team is opening Garrett’s 21-day practice window ahead of Sunday’s Week 9 matchup with the Washington Commanders after missing nearly two months since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
“I want to be careful to (not) even set any sort of expectations,” McVay told reporters. “I think just taking it a day at a time is going to be the best way that we can approach it. I think that’s the right thing for him, and really just to see how he responds. But I think it’s a real positive that we’re starting his clock.”
Great news for a Rams D-Line that has been recently decimated by a season-ending triceps injury to Poona Ford and a groin injury to Kobie Turner that’s expected to keep him sidelined for at least the next few weeks. Even better news for Aaron Donald.
Garrett’s arrival in LA via a blockbuster trade this summer was a major factor in Donald’s decision to come out of his two-year retirement, but the pair of multi-time All-Pros have yet to take the field alongside each other. Donald missed the Rams’ season opener in Melbourne, Australia, where Garrett struggled and admitted afterwards that he was more focused on protecting his ailing knee.
The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year underwent surgery shortly after the Rams returned home and has been on injured reserve in the seven weeks since.
Having a healthy Garrett back in the fold could unlock another level from Chris Shula’s defense. Opposing offensive lines would now have less room to key in on stopping Donald, which would create more 1-on-1s for Donald, Garrett and the rest of the Rams’ defensive front. That could translate into generating more pressure while calling less blitzes, which could then free up Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Kamren Curl to spend more time in coverage.
“We are excited anytime we get anyone back, especially a guy like Myles,” McDuffie told reporters. “Just getting him back on the practice field will be really good. Just knowing we’re getting him back to a defense that is going uphill is awesome.”
Myles Garrett was loving the effort from AD on this fumble 😅
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Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/bWda0dTgjQ— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2026
The Rams got off to a slow 2-4 start but are coming off back-to-back wins for the first time this season to get back to .500. McVay’s teams have had a habit in recent years of getting stronger down the stretch, and getting a guy like Garrett back sooner could once again make them a team to look out for.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will Myles Garrett return? Injury update on Rams star pass rusher
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