Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett is set to return from injured reserve this week for his first game action since the season opener, lining up alongside defensive lineman Aaron Donald for the first time. The pairing of two Defensive Player of the Year winners is projected to be one of the NFL's most formidable tandems since Donald came out of retirement for the 2026 season.
Garrett played only one game before undergoing knee surgery, while Donald debuted in Week 2. The timing of their absences forced them to wait until November to share the field. "Going into this season, I never thought I'd have the chance," Garrett said ahead of Sunday's road game against the Washington Commanders. "It was very exciting to hear about that. Looking forward to the opportunity to get on the field and actually play some real snaps with him."
Garrett's arrival via a blockbuster trade in June was a catalyst for Donald's unretirement. Donald has been more effective in run defense this season, while Garrett holds the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks set last year. Both players have commanded double teams at extreme rates throughout their careers, and Garrett believes offenses will have to "pick their poison" when deciding which defender to focus on.
The Rams are attempting a midseason turnaround after a disappointing 2-4 start and need the duo to help meet Super Bowl expectations. Garrett was held without a tackle in the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, later revealing his knee limited him throughout the game. Now healthy, he aims to resume his usual impact: he has recorded double-digit sacks every year since his rookie season and led the league in tackles for loss the past two seasons. In Week 1, Garrett generated five quarterback pressures on Brock Purdy, an 18.5% pressure rate on 39 defensive snaps — the third-best mark of his career if sustained.
