Defensive Roster Shakeup
Rams Place Myles Garrett on Injured Reserve and Welcome Back Aaron Donald
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Key Points
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The Rams traded away young edge rusher Jared Verse, who had ranked second on the team in sacks the previous season, further thinning the pass-rush depth behind Myles Garrett.
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Garrett played more than 60% of the defensive snaps in his Rams debut and sharply criticized his performance, calling it the “worst version” of himself while vowing to return to his usual standard.
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Coach Sean McVay said Garrett had already stopped using crutches less than two days after surgery and described his recovery as “like Wolverine,” suggesting the early healing process has been encouraging despite the uncertain timetable.
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Giants running back Cam Skattebo said he would welcome a direct short-yardage confrontation with Donald: “If I have to meet him in the hole on third-and-1, then so be it. I got to get one yard.” Skattebo is coming off an opener in which he rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown against Dallas.
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Donald’s planned return would be his first NFL appearance since the Rams’ playoff loss to Detroit on Jan. 14, 2023; before stepping away, he had made the Pro Bowl in every season and earned eight first-team All-Pro selections.
The Los Angeles Rams face a defensive crisis after edge rusher Myles Garrett underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and was placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least four games. NFL Network reported the move Sunday after Garrett struggled in the Rams' 27-7 season-opening loss to San Francisco, recording zero tackles or sacks while allowing 174 rushing yards. The team's solution: bring back Aaron Donald, the legendary defensive tackle who is returning Monday night against the Giants after two full seasons away.
Garrett's Knee Forces Costly Defensive Trade
Garrett played over 60% of defensive snaps in his Rams debut but sharply criticized his performance, calling it the "worst version" of himself. Coach Sean McVay initially believed Garrett could manage the injury but changed course after the opener. NFL Network reported the surgery occurred Sunday with Garrett expected to miss games against the Giants, Broncos, Eagles, and Bills—a brutal stretch for a defense that needs pass-rush help. McVay said Garrett has already stopped using crutches less than two days post-surgery, describing recovery as "like Wolverine," though typical healing takes six to eight weeks.
Aaron Donald Returns After 34-Month Absence
Donald plans to take the field Monday night—his first regular-season appearance since the Rams' playoff loss to Detroit on January 14, 2023. The 35-year-old defensive tackle earned Pro Bowl selections in all 10 of his active seasons and eight first-team All-Pro honors before stepping away. His presence forces opposing offenses to adjust interior protections, potentially offsetting some loss from Garrett's absence. The Rams traded away young edge rusher Jared Verse—who ranked second on the team in sacks last season—further thinning pass-rush depth.
Giants' Skattebo Welcomes Short-Yardage Showdown
New York running back Cam Skattebo said he's ready to face Donald in tight situations. "If I have to meet him in the hole on third-and-1, then so be it. I got to get one yard," Skattebo said. Coming off 81 rushing yards and one touchdown in the Giants' opening win, Skattebo brings confidence into Monday's matchup. The immediate challenge for Los Angeles: Donald's two-year layoff raises questions about his effectiveness despite early optimism from the coaching staff.
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