The Rams will be without cornerback Jaylen Watson for the rest of the 2026 season after he was advised to undergo shoulder surgery. Coach Sean McVay said the injury carries a high risk of further damage if Watson plays, making surgery the best option. Tight end Terrance Ferguson and outside linebacker Myles Garrett are returning to practice on limited workloads, while running back Ronnie Rivers is set to come off injured reserve.

By the Numbers
  • Watson allowed a 48.5% completion rate as the nearest defender through the first 8 weeks, the NFL’s fourth-lowest mark among players with at least 30 targets.
  • Josh Wallace ranked 10th among NFL cornerbacks with a 77.3 defensive grade; Emmanuel Forbes Jr. ranked 7th with an 80.8 grade.
Yes, But

Watson’s absence is a significant loss, but the Rams have confidence in Wallace and Forbes, both of whom have handled meaningful snaps. Garrett and Ferguson are returning to practice, though their limited participation signals a gradual ramp-up rather than an immediate full workload.

State of Play
  • Watson will be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
  • Garrett and Ferguson opened their 21-day practice windows Wednesday.
  • Rivers is returning to practice and will be activated from injured reserve.
What's Next

The Rams will monitor how Garrett and Ferguson respond to practice as they work toward a potential return. Wallace and Forbes are expected to take on greater responsibility in Watson’s absence.

Bottom Line

Los Angeles loses a top-performing cornerback for the season, but its depth will be tested just as several injured players begin working their way back.