The Los Angeles Rams enter Week 9 with a 4-4 record, falling short of their superteam expectations for the 2026 season. A significant factor in their underperformance has been the absence of Myles Garrett, their star offseason acquisition, who is now poised to be activated off injured reserve ahead of the Sunday matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Garrett, the defending Defensive Player of the Year, has been battling a knee injury that dates back to training camp. Although he played in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, he struggled, failing to record any tackles in what marked only his fourth career game without a tackle, playing just 39 snaps.

After acknowledging he wasn't at full strength, stating, "I've got to find a way to recover and get back to the player I know I can be," Garrett underwent arthroscopic surgery, which landed him on injured reserve for the past seven games. This extended absence is unusual for Garrett, who has missed only two games in the last five seasons.

As the Rams rank 17th in pressure rate (36.3%) and 27th in sack rate (4.4%), Garrett's return could provide a crucial boost to their pass rush. The Rams' blockbuster trade for Garrett on June 1 involved sending pass rusher Jared Verse and multiple draft picks to the Cleveland Browns. They also restructured his contract to a five-year, $208.2 million deal following the trade, highlighting their commitment to him.

Before joining the Rams, Garrett spent nine successful seasons with the Browns, achieving two Defensive Player of the Year awards and setting a single-season sack record with 23 in 2025.