Myles Garrett is expected to miss at least four weeks after the Los Angeles Rams placed the defensive lineman on injured reserve with a knee injury. His absence could give Aaron Donald a larger role when he returns to the team after spending two seasons away from the NFL.
Donald was originally expected to contribute as part of a rotation. The Rams had planned to control his workload that way, but it is uncertain whether he can take on more snaps following the two-year break. He could return in Week 2 against the New York Giants. Coach Sean McVay said he anticipates Donald playing at the level he displayed before retiring.
Los Angeles acquired Garrett during the offseason and structured its defensive front around him, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Byron Young. The Rams had difficulty generating steady pressure against the 49ers, and Turner and Young could face greater attention from opposing offenses without Garrett drawing coverage. The team also sent Jared Verse to the Cleveland Browns in the Garrett trade.
Verse had little impact in his Cleveland debut, though he had been among the Rams’ notable pass-rush contributors.