Los Angeles Rams star Myles Garrett brought a new level of hype and enthusiasm to the already sky-high expectations for the team this season, but clouds may be gathering.
Garrett has participated in full practice “just twice after experiencing what the Rams initially described as knee ‘soreness,’” reports Michael Duarte of the California Post.
Nearly three weeks ago, the 30-year-old Garrett told reporters that “I feel good. I’m allowed to get sore. I’m a little old.”
The problem, Duarte explains, is that both Garrett and star wide receiver Puka Nacua were expected to return to practice this week.
“Thus far neither of them has practiced and likely won’t have another opportunity until Saturday at the earliest,” he wrote.
What should fans expect from Myles Garrett in the preseason?
Duarte explained that while “fans can be forgiven for starting to ask questions” about Garrett’s health, it’s likely that head coach Sean McVay is simply being careful with his defensive superstar.
“McVay has learned in his 10 years as head coach of the Rams to treat August practices simply as preparation, not proving grounds, for his established starters,” he wrote. “[Starting quarterback Matthew] Stafford, Nacua, Garrett, and veteran wideout Davante Adams don’t need preseason snaps to prove they belong on the roster. They just need to be healthy on Sundays.”
McVay confirmed as much when he agreed with a reporter’s question as to whether Garrett’s absence is a matter of erring on the side of caution.
“The goal is, what can we do to be able to get him ready to roll for Australia? That’s kind of where you see that approach,” he said.
That Australia game, set for Sept. 10 in Melbourne, will have the Rams face off against the San Francisco 49ers on Netflix, the NFL’s first game in Australia.
While facing a division opponent without Garrett would be difficult, it would be far worse to play an extended period — or even the whole season — without the prize jewel of the Rams’ offseason additions.
This team has Super Bowl aspirations, and with so much on the line, it’s only right that McVay and Co. would be safe rather than sorry.
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