Rams get significant Myles Garrett injury update ahead of Commanders game in Week 9

· Yahoo Sports

The Los Angeles Rams could be getting a major defensive reinforcement at exactly the right time. Star pass rusher Myles Garrett is on track to be activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Sunday’s NFL Week 9 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Garrett has been working his way back from knee surgery that forced him onto IR after the season opener. After missing the Rams’ last several games, the defensive standout has returned to practice this week, and all indications point toward him being available against Washington. Getting Garrett back would provide a significant lift for a Los Angeles defense preparing for an important road matchup.

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Myles Garrett trending toward return against Commanders

Garrett’s return to the field has been one of the biggest injury developments for the Rams heading into Week 9. The pass rusher underwent knee surgery in September after experiencing issues with the knee, and the procedure ultimately forced him to miss an extended stretch of the season.

Los Angeles opened Garrett’s 21-day practice window this week, allowing him to return to the field while the organization evaluates his readiness to come off Injured Reserve. Head coach Sean McVay initially emphasized that the team would take the process day by day rather than establish a firm timetable for his return.

Garrett has made progress throughout the week, and the latest report indicates that the Rams are preparing to activate him ahead of Sunday’s game. He was listed as a limited participant in Thursday’s practice, an encouraging development considering he had not practiced since the season opener.

The final step is getting him officially activated and ready to return to game action.

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Rams defense could get a massive lift in Week 9

Getting Garrett back would be significant for a Rams defense that has been without one of its most important players for much of the season. His presence gives Los Angeles another major threat off the edge and provides a boost to the defensive front heading into the matchup with Washington.

The Rams made a substantial investment to acquire Garrett, and getting him back on the field is an important development for an organization with significant expectations. While his return does not automatically guarantee an immediate return to his usual level of production, having him available would give the defense another difference-maker.

There is also a big difference between having Garrett available in practice and having him ready to contribute during a regular-season game. After knee surgery and an extended absence, the Rams will want to make sure he is physically prepared before putting him back into the lineup.

Still, the latest update is about as encouraging as Rams fans could have hoped for heading into Week 9. Garrett is trending toward being activated, and all indications point toward him playing Sunday against the Commanders.

After spending weeks waiting for their star pass rusher to return, Los Angeles could finally have him back on the field this weekend. That would be a significant development for the Rams as they look to strengthen their defense for the second half of the NFL season.

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