Rams’ Jaylen Watson Needs Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery

Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson needs shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the 2026 season, coach Sean McVay said Wednesday. McVay said Watson will be placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Watson had wanted to continue playing, but McVay said medical advice pointed toward surgery because of the high risk of his shoulder coming out and sustaining further damage. Strapping the shoulder would limit his movement. McVay said Watson will remain around the team, adding that he expects him to be better when he returns next year.

Josh Wallace and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. are expected to take on more responsibility in Watson’s absence. McVay said both have already played meaningful snaps and earned the confidence of their coaches and teammates, giving Los Angeles options within its current secondary.

The Rams’ report credited Watson with allowing a 48.5% completion rate when he was the nearest defender through the first eight weeks. That was the fourth-lowest mark among players with at least 30 targets. Los Angeles will have to replace that production as it prepares to face Washington.