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. He will line up alongside defensive lineman Aaron Donald for the first time, forming a tandem projected to be one of the NFL's most unstoppable duos. Donald came out of retirement for the 2026 season, and the pair's debut together was delayed until November due to the timing of Garrett's IR stint and Donald's season debut in Week 2.
Garrett played only one game before undergoing knee surgery, while Donald has been more effective in run defense than pass rushing this season. Garrett, the NFL single-season sack record holder with 23 sacks last year, said it will be surreal to share the field with a fellow Defensive Player of the Year winner. "Going into this season, I never thought I'd have the chance," Garrett said ahead of Sunday's road game against the Washington Commanders. "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. Both superstars have commanded double teams at extreme rates throughout their careers, and Garrett believes offenses will have to pick their poison. "I think offenses really have to pick their poison," Garrett said. "Who's going to be freed up this play? Either of us are pretty good at winning one-on-ones. We'll have some fun."
The Rams are in the midst of a potential midseason turnaround after a disappointing 2-4 start, and they need momentum to 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 acted up throughout the game. Now healthy, he aims to resume his usual impact: he has logged double-digit sacks every year since his rookie season and led the league in tackles for loss the past two years. In Week 1, Garrett recorded five quarterback pressures on Brock Purdy, an 18.5% pressure rate on 39 defensive snaps — the third-best mark of his career if sustained over a full season.
