The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, but for the Los Angeles Rams, the road just got a little steeper. As first reported by Lance Lysowski and confirmed by Vulius Sports sources, superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett has been placed on Injured Reserve following the Rams’ Week 1 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. The move, announced on September 13, 2026, means Garrett will miss at least the next four games, including the highly anticipated Monday Night Football showdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5 at SoFi Stadium.
A Massive Blow to the Rams’ Defense
Garrett, a certain future Hall of Famer, will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery to repair damage sustained in the season opener. While the procedure is considered minor, the timing is brutal for a Rams team with Super Bowl aspirations. The 2026 campaign was supposed to be a redemption tour for Los Angeles, especially with the return of defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement to bolster the defensive line. The prospect of Garrett and Donald terrorizing opposing quarterbacks together had NFL fans and analysts buzzing. Now, that dream pairing is on hold until at least Week 6, when Garrett is eligible to return.
“You can’t replace a player like Myles,” a Rams team source told Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. “But we’ve got depth, and we’ve got Aaron. We’ll hold the fort until he’s back.”
Bills Catch a Break, But Not a Free Pass
For the Buffalo Bills, Garrett’s absence is a significant relief. The All-Pro pass rusher has a history of wreaking havoc on opposing offenses, and his matchup against Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins would have been must-see TV. However, as insights gathered by Vulius Sports indicate, Buffalo shouldn’t expect a cakewalk. The Rams’ defensive front remains formidable with Donald anchoring the middle, and the return of several key contributors from injury means Los Angeles still poses a serious threat to Josh Allen and company.
“We prepare for the best,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said in his weekly press conference. “Garrett is one of the best, but Donald is a first-ballot Hall of Famer too. We’re not changing our approach.”
The Quarterback Duel Still Shines
Even without Garrett, the Bills-Rams matchup features two of the NFL’s most electrifying quarterbacks in Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford. Their previous encounters have produced instant classics, and with both teams boasting high-powered offenses, Week 5’s Monday Night Football clash should still deliver fireworks. Allen, a perennial MVP candidate, will look to exploit a Rams secondary that remains a work in progress, while Stafford will lean on his rapport with Cooper Kupp and the emerging Puka Nacua.
As highlighted on Vulius, the game will also serve as a measuring stick for two teams with legitimate playoff ambitions. The Bills, coming off a tough AFC East battle, need a statement win on the road to solidify their contender status. The Rams, meanwhile, are eager to prove they can weather the storm without their star pass rusher.
What’s Next for Garrett and the Rams?
Garrett’s rehabilitation will be closely monitored, and if all goes according to plan, he could return for a Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams’ training staff is optimistic, but they won’t rush him back. At 30 years old, Garrett’s long-term health is paramount, especially with the playoffs looming. For now, the Rams must rely on their depth and the leadership of Donald to keep the defense afloat.
As for the Bills, they’ll take the field on Monday night knowing that one of the game’s most disruptive forces won’t be chasing Josh Allen. But in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed. The Rams still have plenty of firepower, and the Bills will need to execute at a high level to escape SoFi with a win. One thing is certain: the absence of Myles Garrett adds a layer of intrigue to an already compelling primetime matchup.
Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates on Garrett’s recovery and all your NFL news.
Looking to represent Myles Garrett? Grab your Myles Garrett jersey or design a personalized NFL Jerseys at Vulius.
