Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson to miss rest of season after shoulder surgery

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times on Nov 4, 2026

Published in Football

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

LOS ANGELES — Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson will have shoulder surgery and is out for the season, coach Sean McVay said Wednesday.

Watson, who signed with the Rams as a free agent after winning two Super Bowl titles in four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, reinjured his shoulder during last Sunday’s victory over the Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

“That’s a big blow,” McVay said. “Bummer for him. He’s been such a stud for us. He wanted to be able to play through it but just kind of understanding the totality of it all, just some of the different things, recommended to get that surgery.

“He’s been everything and that much more that we had hoped.”

Watson, who signed a three-year contract that included $34 million in guarantees, has one interception and nine passes defended.

“A guy that will be missed for sure,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “He’s a big-time talent and a guy that was kind of an enforcer for us on the edge.”

Josh Wallace and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. are expected to help fill Watson’s spot, and McVay indicated that the Rams could explore adding a cornerback before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

McDuffie, who has intercepted two passes, suffered a back injury against the Chargers and was not scheduled to practice on Wednesday.

The Rams opened the window for edge rusher Myles Garrett, tight end Terrance Ferguson and running back Ronnie Rivers to return from injured reserve, and all were scheduled to practice Wednesday.

____