Rams Cornerback Jaylen Watson Out for Season After Shoulder Surgery
Sean McVay confirmed the two-time Super Bowl champion will be placed on injured reserve, leaving the defense to absorb the loss before a Sunday trip to Washington.
By Enzo Conti ·
The Los Angeles Rams lost a key defensive player on Wednesday when Coach Sean McVay announced that starting cornerback Jaylen Watson will miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Watson underwent surgery on a recurring shoulder injury, and the team will list him on injured reserve.
Watson suffered the initial dislocation earlier in the year, missing a game to recover. He reinjured the shoulder during Sunday's 24-9 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. McVay noted that Watson wanted to play through the pain, but the medical team recommended surgery to ensure his long-term health.
The Rams signed Watson in March as a free agent from the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year contract worth $51 million. In the seven games he played for Los Angeles, he recorded 24 tackles, one interception, and nine passes defensed. His departure leaves a gap in the secondary for the 4-4 Rams.
The news came on the same day defensive end Myles Garrett returned to practice. Garrett missed the first seven games of the season following knee surgery. McVay said the team is taking a cautious approach, with Garrett scheduled to take half of his usual reps on Wednesday to gauge his physical response. A decision on his availability for Sunday's game will be made later in the week.
Other defensive backs are also dealing with health issues. Cornerback Trent McDuffie missed Wednesday's practice with a back injury sustained against the Chargers. Safety Kam Curl was also absent due to a foot injury. The Rams will rely on Josh Wallace and Emmanuel Forbes to fill in at cornerback.
On the offensive side, tight end Terrance Ferguson returned to practice after missing five games with an ankle injury. Tight end Colby Parkinson remains out with a rib injury. Running back Ronnie Rivers is also back in action after a six-week absence due to a calf issue, a return McVay hopes will stabilize special teams performance.
The Rams begin preparation for their Sunday matchup against the Washington Commanders. Steve Avila and Jordan Whittington were limited in practice with hamstring and back injuries, respectively. Long snapper Joe Cardona may miss his second consecutive game with an ankle problem.
