Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett made an immediate impact in his return, notching three sacks and forcing a fumble during Sunday's 20-13 win over the Washington Commanders. The performance put the 30-year-old in rare company, as he became the first player in franchise history to record three sacks and a forced fumble since star pass rusher Aaron Donald accomplished the feat back in 2020.
Garrett, who underwent knee surgery in mid-September after initially attempting to play through the injury, missed seven weeks before returning to action in Week 9. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year wasted little time demonstrating his value, generating six quarterback pressures on 27 pass-rush attempts, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He also managed a 22.2% pressure rate while playing 35 of the Rams' 58 defensive snaps.
His first sack came in the second quarter when he knocked the ball out of quarterback Jayden Daniels' hands. Linebacker Omar Speights recovered the fumble, helping Los Angeles get into position for a field goal that reduced Washington's advantage to 10-6 before halftime.
Garrett added two more sacks in the fourth quarter, including one against Daniels after coming around left tackle Brandon Coleman. His final takedown turned out to be a game-changer, as he beat the replacement center with a quick move through the middle to prevent the Commanders from building momentum during their late comeback attempt.
The three-sack performance was Garrett's ninth career game with at least three sacks, the most by any player since Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware in 2014, according to ESPN Research. He also brought his career sack total to 128.5, tying Hall of Famer Jared Allen for the second-most sacks by a player through his first 10 NFL seasons since the statistic became official in 1982.
The contest also was the first time Garrett shared the field with Donald, who retired in March 2024. Across 23 plays with both defensive stars on the field, the Rams surrendered just 5.0 yards per play and recorded four sacks. During the other 19 plays, the defense allowed 8.0 yards per play and a touchdown without producing a sack.
Garrett's return helped Los Angeles improve to 5-4, extend its winning streak to three games and move above .500 for the first time this season. The Rams will next face the division-rival Arizona Cardinals before entering its Week 11 bye.