LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams are one step closer to getting one of their biggest defensive stars back on the field.
Rams head coach Sean McVay announced Monday that outside linebacker Myles Garrett will return to practice this week, opening his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve after undergoing knee surgery in September. The news comes one day after the Rams defeated the Los Angeles Chargers for their second consecutive victory.
Garrett's potential return would provide a significant boost to a Rams defense that has played well in consecutive wins over the Las Vegas Raiders and Chargers despite missing several key contributors.
"Myles will practice. We'll start his clock," McVay said Monday. "Good chance that we'll start Terrance's clock as well. Have not made a definitive. Myles is a yes for sure."
McVay was referring to tight end Terrance Ferguson, who has also been sidelined with an injury and could begin his return to practice this week.
While Garrett's return to practice is encouraging, McVay cautioned against assuming the star pass rusher will immediately be available for the Rams' next game.
"I want to be careful to even set any sort of expectations," McVay said. "I think taking it a day at a time is going to be the best way that we can approach it. I think that's the right thing for him and to see how he responds. I think it's a real positive that we're starting his clock."
Garrett underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in September after experiencing discomfort following the Rams' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. His return would add another dangerous pass rusher to a defensive front that already features Aaron Donald and several young players who have stepped up in his absence.
McVay praised the performances of outside linebackers Wesley Bailey and Darryl Peterson III against the Chargers. Bailey recorded a 20-yard sack of quarterback Justin Herbert, while Peterson made several contributions against the run and on special teams.
"Man, they did a great job," McVay said. "Wes Bailey is just getting better and better. That was a great job."
The Rams also forced two turnovers against Herbert, with McVay praising cornerback Trent McDuffie and safety Quentin Lake for their ability to disrupt the Chargers' passing attack.
"I thought our rush was really good," McVay said. "I thought we forced the ball out and I thought there were a variety of different ways that we applied pressure, and that's not exclusively reflected in sacks."
While Garrett's progress represents welcome news, the Rams are dealing with several new injuries following Sunday's victory.
Cornerback Jaylen Watson aggravated a shoulder injury, while McDuffie sustained a blow to his back. McVay said both players were feeling better Monday but will be monitored throughout the week.
Running back Dean Connors suffered a broken hand and was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday. McVay said Connors could be placed on injured reserve.
Linebacker Grant Stuard suffered a hamstring injury during pregame warmups and is considered week to week. Guard Steve Avila also experienced hamstring discomfort, although McVay expects him to be available. Tight end Colby Parkinson, who missed Sunday's game, continues to make progress toward returning.
McVay was also asked about quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was seen with ice around his throwing arm following the game.
"He's had some soreness there," McVay said. "I think he'd be better equipped once you guys talk to him to answer that."
Despite the injuries, the Rams have found ways to win consecutive games, relying heavily on their running attack and defense while playing without star receiver Davante Adams.
The offense struggled through its first five possessions against the Chargers before finding a rhythm during a two-minute drive late in the first half. The Rams were more effective after halftime, with Blake Corum scoring on a 23-yard touchdown run and Puka Nacua contributing a touchdown reception on a screen pass.
McVay was particularly pleased with the Rams' ability to control the clock late in the fourth quarter, maintaining possession for the final 6 minutes, 40 seconds without allowing the Chargers another offensive opportunity.
"To be able to get the ball with 6:40 or whatever it was left and then to never have to punt it away or never put our defense back out on the field, I think that was a big deal," McVay said.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, McVay said the Rams remain open to improving their roster but are primarily focused on getting their injured players back rather than making a significant trade.
He identified Garrett, Ferguson, Adams and defensive lineman Kobie Turner as players whose eventual returns could make a major difference during the second half of the season. Defensive tackle Poona Ford, who suffered a season-ending triceps injury, will not return this year.
"I would never rule anything out, but it would have to make sense," McVay said. "There are sometimes you have to really ask yourself what kind of resources are you willing to give up? Where do you really have needs?"
McVay also expressed confidence in the team's existing receiving options, including Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield and CJ Daniels Jr., who could see increased opportunities while Adams remains sidelined.
For now, the most significant development is Garrett's impending return to practice. After navigating much of the first half of the season without one of their premier defensive players, the Rams could soon add another elite pass rusher to a unit that is already showing signs of improvement.
With consecutive victories providing momentum and several injured players nearing their returns, the Rams have an opportunity to strengthen their roster from within as they enter the second half of the season.