Full Breakdown
Myles Garrett’s Knee Concerns Ahead of the Rams’ International Season Opener
9/9/2026, 6:15:23 AM
Core Event: Limited Summer Practice and Week-1 Availability
Defensive end Myles Garrett entered the 2026 preseason with persistent knee swelling that kept him out of most training-camp sessions. He returned for practice on Sunday and Monday but did not participate in the Tuesday workout that preceded the Rams’ departure for Melbourne. Despite the limited reps, head coach Sean McVay announced that Garrett will be “ready to go” for the Thursday night season-opener against the San Francisco 49ers. The team’s practice report listed Garrett among the non-participants on Tuesday, while other defensive linemen such as Aaron Donald also missed the trip for separate health reasons.
Background & Context: Trade, Record-Setting Season, and Expectations
The Rams acquired Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in June, surrendering defensive back Jared Verse and multiple draft picks. Garrett entered the league as the 2025 single-season sack record holder with 23.0 sacks and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). The trade was framed as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ defensive overhaul, with the organization and analysts projecting a Super Bowl-contending season.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 sack total: 23.0 (NFL single-season record).
- Contract: Four-year, $160 million deal through 2030; 2026 salary $8.4 million, with cap hits rising to $48.1 million in 2030 before dropping to $39.9 million in 2031.
- Cap restructuring (reported September 5): Original $31.5 million salary for 2026 was increased to $37 million, with $35.7 million converted to a signing bonus prorated at $7.14 million per year (2026-2030).
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Sean McVay confirmed Garrett’s participation, stating the pass rusher will be “ready to go” against the 49ers in Melbourne.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the extent of Garrett’s readiness: NBC Sports noted his absence from Tuesday’s practice and the lack of a disclosed snap count, while Heavy.com highlighted McVay’s assurance of full participation. No outlet provided a definitive medical clearance timeline, leaving uncertainty about whether the knee inflammation could affect his in-game performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think I’ll be able to play off of some great teammates,” — Myles Garrett
- “I don’t expect him to be limited at all. Really don’t believe that there’ll be an issue with him. There’s always going to be a little bit of maintenance, but he is a freakazoid athlete.” — Network’s Ian Rapoport
- “A trade for single-season sack king Myles Garrett coupled with the return of retired future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald gives the Rams perhaps the most menacing combination of pass rushers ever seen,” — The Athletic’s Scott Phillips
- “The revamped defense helped create significant separation between the Rams and every other NFL team on Super Bowl oddsboard. Can they live up to the hype and become the first preseason favorites to claim the Lombardi Trophy since the Chiefs in 2023?” — The Athletic’s Scott Phillips
What’s Next
The Rams’ Week 1 matchup against the 49ers will take place in Melbourne on Thursday night, with kickoff scheduled for 8:35 p.m. ET. The game will serve as the first test of the revamped defensive line and will determine whether Garrett can translate his record-setting pass-rush ability to the field despite recent knee concerns.
