Photo via Yahoo Sports

Myles Garrett’s injury is a big opportunity for Josaiah Stewart

The Los Angeles Rams have suffered a major setback along their defensive front, placing standout pass rusher Myles Garrett on injured reserve to address a left knee issue requiring surgery. Garrett, an offseason trade acquisition on a $208 million pact, had already missed significant training camp action because of the ailment before struggling through a 27-7 season-opening defeat against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.

In that Thursday matchup, he failed to generate a single quarterback hit or pressure, later attributing his limited impact to physical distress.

Garrett is now sidelined for at least four contests, prompting serious defensive questions as Los Angeles battles division rivals San Francisco and Seattle. His extended absence creates a substantial opening for Josaiah Stewart to claim an expanded role and elevate the pass rush.

The Rams will need Stewart and their remaining defensive pieces to shoulder the workload over the coming month as the preseason Super Bowl contenders adjust to life without their marquee edge defender.