The Los Angeles Rams are preparing to play at least four games without Myles Garrett, but the star edge rusher is reportedly targeting the earliest possible return from injured reserve.

Garrett underwent arthroscopic left-knee surgery Monday after the injury limited him throughout camp and Los Angeles’ 27-7 season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Ian Rapoport reported that the Rams hoped Garrett could manage the issue without an operation, but his limited Week 1 performance helped make surgery the best long-term decision.

The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year failed to record a tackle or sack against San Francisco. Afterward, Garrett acknowledged that his knee was not fully healthy and described the outing as the “worst version” of himself he had put on the field.

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Placing Garrett on injured reserve guarantees that he will miss upcoming games against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. He will first become eligible to return in Week 6, when the Rams host the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 18.

The hope is that Garrett will need only the mandatory four-game absence. However, his availability against Arizona will depend on how his knee responds to surgery and rehabilitation. Los Angeles has little incentive to rush its prized offseason acquisition back before he can perform close to his usual standard.

Garrett’s absence leaves a substantial hole in a defense built around creating pressure with its front. The next month also includes difficult matchups against several playoff-caliber opponents, increasing the burden on the Rams’ remaining edge defenders.

For Los Angeles, the surgery represents short-term pain designed to prevent the knee problem from lingering throughout the season. If recovery proceeds as hoped, Garrett could return at the earliest opportunity and have time to make an impact on the Rams’ playoff pursuit.