Coach Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams continue to search for answers on defense leading up to their Week 5 game against the Buffalo Bills on "Monday Night Football."
The Rams are also waiting for the return of edge rusher Myles Garrett. The coach was able to provide an update on the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year when speaking to the media on Saturday.
Garrett could help the Rams turn things around after a 2-2 start to the season. The Rams haven’t been able to produce back-to-back victories, but the recent victory over the Philadelphia Eagles shows that quarterback Matthew Stafford and the offense could play from behind late.
Garrett has not made his home debut at SoFi Stadium with the Rams, having missed the home opener against
the New York Giants.
Is Myles Garrett playing tonight?
Garrett is not expected to be available when the Rams take on quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills, according to McVay: "It's week to week in terms of how he feels, but I would say it's more likely that we do not start his clock next week."
Garrett last played against the Bills on Dec. 21 of last season while he was still a member of the Cleveland Browns. Garrett was credited with a tackle and 0.5 sacks.
Myles Garrett injury update
Garrett was initially expected to miss six weeks and has already missed three of the Rams' first four games. He played in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia before he was placed on injured reserve.
McVay has continued to keep tabs on Garrett’s progression. The coach spoke with Orthopedic Surgeon Neal ElAttrache about the pass rusher.
“(Garrett’s) making good progress as far as what that timeline looks like,” McVay told reporters on Saturday. “It's week to week in terms of how he feels, but I would say it's more likely that we do not start his clock next week.
When will Myles Garrett return?
McVay was not willing to set a timetable for when Garrett will actually return.
“He’s making good progress, but what I will say is he's not ready to say whether we'll open that window or not,” McVay said.
The Rams would like to see Garrett reach several of the appropriate benchmarks throughout his recovery process before putting him back on the field.
Who is Myles Garrett's backup?
While the seven-time Pro Bowler has been out of action, the team has relied on Josaiah Stewart to help fill the void.
Stewart has 11 total tackles in four games played, but he has not recorded a sack this season.
Desjuan Johnson and Wesley Bailey could also be considered as backup options.
Rams edge rushing depth chart
Below is a full look at the Rams’ depth chart for edge rushers:
- Myles Garrett (Injured reserve - knee)
- Desjuan Johnson
- Wesley Bailey
- Keir Thomas II (Injured reserve - groin)
Johnson will continue to play a primary role for the Rams’ defense while Garrett is out. The experience Johnson has gained this year could prove valuable for the Rams, especially if Garrett has a setback or isn’t ready to take on a full workload upon his return.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Myles Garrett playing for Rams tonight on MNF vs. Bills?
