Just about everybody has been talking about the pairing of Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett on the Rams’ defensive line, but there’s a chance neither plays Week 1.
Garrett has only fully participated in practice twice this summer as he manages swelling in his knee, which is certainly something to monitor as the Rams are set to face the 49ers in the NFL season opener next week.
“He’s making good progress. Really good progress. The goal all along has been Australia,” head coach Sean McVay said Monday.
The Rams are taking a cautious approach with the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who posted a league-high 23 sacks in a single season with the Browns in 2025.
By trading for Garrett, the Rams added the best defensive player available and also gave the unit another leader. Garett was named one of 11 team captains for the 2026 season.
But the 30-year-old’s extended absence from training camp practice could be cause for concern.
McVay, however, didn’t imply that there was any reason to worry. But the social media discourse is loud and fans are worried.
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The Rams expected Garrett to return to practice last week, but that didn’t happen.
While Garrett appears to be trending for Week 1, the Rams have also been tight-lipped on Donald’s availability for the overseas season opener.
“If he’s not ready, and that’s not what’s best for him and the team, absolutely wouldn’t have him play in Australia,” McVay said.
Opposing teams should be terrified to face the duo of Garrett and Donald, but it isn’t a sure thing to witness the first week of the 2026 campaign.
