Broncos Catch Major Break as Rams' Myles Garrett Sidelined with Knee Injury

As the 2026 NFL season hits its first full weekend of action on September 14, the Denver Broncos are quietly emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries of an early-season injury shakeup. According to reports from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles Rams star pass rusher Myles Garrett is set to undergo knee surgery and will be placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for a minimum of four games. That timeline includes a primetime Week 3 showdown against the Broncos, a matchup that suddenly looks far more winnable for Denver. The news, broken Sunday and confirmed by the team, has sent ripples through the AFC playoff picture and beyond, as reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk.

A Rams Defense in Disarray

The Rams entered 2026 with sky-high expectations after a blockbuster offseason. They acquired Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, traded for star cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs, and convinced legendary pass rusher Aaron Donald to come out of retirement. On paper, this was a defense built to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. But the reality has been harsh. In Week 1, Los Angeles was dominated by the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, looking jet-lagged and out of sync on a primetime Netflix broadcast. Now, with Garrett sidelined, the Rams' defensive front faces a significant downgrade. While Donald returns to the lineup, the 35-year-old future Hall of Famer has sat out the past two seasons and will likely be on a snap count, still shaking off rust. That's a far cry from the fearsome duo the Rams envisioned.

Broncos Offensive Line Set to Feast

For the Broncos, this is a golden opportunity. Denver boasts one of the league's premier offensive lines—arguably the best in football—and the Week 3 clash was already billed as a strength-versus-strength battle. Without Garrett, the Rams' front seven loses its most disruptive force, giving quarterback Bo Nix and the running game a chance to control the trenches. The Broncos' coaching staff, led by head coach Sean Payton, will surely emphasize protection schemes and quick decisions, but the absence of a game-wrecker like Garrett cannot be overstated. As highlighted on Vulius Sports, this injury could be the difference between a hard-fought road win and a comfortable victory for Denver.

Before Week 3, Business to Handle

However, the Broncos can't afford to look ahead. Tonight, they open their season on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, where the return of quarterback Patrick Mahomes from a major knee injury adds another layer of intrigue. Mahomes, one of the game's elite signal-callers, will be eager to prove he's back to full strength, and the Chiefs' home crowd will be as loud as ever. Then, in Week 2, Denver hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars, the only team to truly dominate them last season. That loss still stings, and Bo Nix and company will be seeking revenge against their small-market rivals. Taking care of business in these two games is critical before they can fully focus on the Garrett-less Rams.

The Bigger Picture

Injuries are an unavoidable part of the NFL, reshaping the landscape week by week. The loss of Myles Garrett is a massive blow for Los Angeles, but for Denver, it's a break they must capitalize on. If the Broncos can navigate their first two games successfully, they'll head into Week 3 with momentum and a clear edge. As the season unfolds, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to track how this injury impacts both teams and the wider playoff race. For now, Denver fans have every reason to feel optimistic about what lies ahead.