Garrett joins a Rams team that has significantly underperformed expectations.
Touted as a superteam after Aaron Donald opted out of retirement to join forces with Garrett and other additions such as cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson on a defense that suddenly appeared every bit as good as an offense that led the league in points and yards in 2025, the Rams are 4-4, sitting in third place in the NFC West at the midway point of the season.
They’ve dealt with a myriad of injuries beyond Garrett. Star receiver Puka Nacua missed two games and his counterpart Davante Adams is on IR – as are other big names such as Kobie Turner and Poona Ford. Watson, one of Los Angeles’ aforementioned additions alongside Garrett, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury last week and was placed on IR Saturday.
Despite the disappointment so far, the Rams still rank 10th in points scored and 12th in points allowed, and they are top five in offensive and defensive yards. Los Angeles’ defense also ranks third in quarterback pressure percentage (41.0), although that only resulted in 12 sacks, placing it tied for 26th.
Outside of sacks, those are all respectable good numbers, but Garrett was expected to help elevate the Rams to a supernatural level.
Back on the active roster with a clean bill of health, he can resume his pursuit of that goal, which barely began during an injury-affected outing before surgery.
“I think offenses really have to pick their poison,” Garrett said before playing his first NFL game with Donald, who was inactive for the season opener. “Who’s going to be released in this game? I think either one of us is pretty good at winning head-to-head, so we’re going to have fun.”
Garrett, Donald and the Rams begin against the Commanders on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Gn sports
