Myles Garrett to undergo knee surgery, placed on IR — Rams will be without their top pass rusher for at least

Garrett is the roster’s primary edge threat. Even when not producing sacks, his presence requires offenses to keep extra blockers and alters protections. Without him, opponents can more often leave single blockers on Aaron Donald and slide extra resources to neutralize Donald, or simply keep chipping the interior — a schematic advantage that reduces pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Practically, the Rams will need to generate pressure with a mix of blitzes, stunts and increased snaps for depth edge defenders. Those moves can work, but they also expose linebackers and the secondary to more blocks and matchups that will be tested by the Giants’ and Eagles’ athletic receiving corps and the Bills’ multi-level passing attack.

Expect the Rams to expand snaps for rotational edge players who were already in the mix during camp. The team may also bring back a veteran depth piece or promote a player from the practice squad. Any external add would likely be short-term depth rather than a long-term replacement for Garrett’s unique skill set.

Coaching adjustments will matter: more line/game-day blitzing packages, schematic overloading and usage of subpackages that create favorable one-on-one matchups elsewhere on the defense. How well the Rams execute those changes will determine whether Garrett’s absence costs wins or merely forces different looks.

Reports differ on the surgical details; that matters because a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure usually carries a different rehab timeline than more extensive repairs. The team hasn’t announced the surgery date or offered a post-op prognosis beyond the four-game IR minimum.

Also unresolved: whether Garrett will be fully ready after his IR window or whether the Rams will extend his absence, and how Aaron Donald’s availability — he did not play in Week 1 — will factor into the team’s plan while Garrett recovers.