Myles Garrett has a knee injury.

He needs surgery.

Coach Sean McVay said this on Monday.

The Rams lost their first game.

That game made it clear.

Garrett could not keep playing.

Garrett had no tackles in the game.

He had no sacks too.

The Rams lost 27-7 to the San Francisco 49ers.

The game was in Melbourne, Australia.

Garrett played 61.5% of the defensive snaps.

McVay said the team thought Garrett could play with the knee problem.

But they saw him in a real game.

Then McVay said, "maybe that's not the case."

Garrett is on injured reserve.

He will miss at least four games.

McVay had no new timeline.

He will know more after the surgery.

Garrett missed much of training camp.

His knee was swollen.

McVay has not explained the exact injury.

The Rams traded for Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in June.

They sent pass rusher Jared Verse and three draft picks.

Before the game, Garrett said he felt "ready."

He wanted to win the Super Bowl.

He wanted to be AP Defensive Player of the Year again.

McVay said Garrett's absence will not change when Aaron Donald returns.

Donald did not travel to Australia.

He is working back into shape.

He was out of football for two seasons.

The Rams play the New York Giants next Monday.

It is their home opener.

McVay said it is too early to know if Donald will play.