Rams’ Myles Garrett’s mysterious knee injury raises concern

At some point, caution can seem suspiciously close to concern.

For the Los Angeles Rams and star Myles Garrett, they haven’t reached that point just yet. However, after another practice passed on Tuesday without the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year on the field, Rams fans may be justified in raising their concerns.

Garrett has scarcely practiced since training camp commenced at Loyola Marymount University on July 27, managing full participation just twice after what the Rams initially termed knee “soreness.”

“I feel good,” Garrett stated on Aug. 5. “I’m allowed to get sore. I’m a little old.”

When asked if it was common for him to miss training camp practices due to soreness, Garrett downplayed the concern.

“It doesn’t happen every training camp, but occasionally I pick up a bump or bruise,” Garrett mentioned. “They’re just making sure I’m back to 100%.”

Nearly a month later, the wait continues.

Garrett, obtained from the Cleveland Browns in a major June 1 trade, has not taken part in the Rams’ joint practices, preseason games, or full-team practices. While he’s continued to engage in individual workouts, as the Rams gear up to commence the regular season on Sept. 10 in Melbourne, Australia, each missed practice feeds the growing buzz on social media regarding the mystery and actual seriousness of his knee injury.

Last Monday, McVay indicated he anticipated both Garrett and star receiver Puka Nacua, who hasn’t fully practiced since a psoas injury in his lower back during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 11, would return this week. Thus far, neither has practiced and they might not get another chance until Saturday at the earliest.

“Genuinely asking — has Myles Garrett practiced as a Ram yet?” one fan questioned the California Post after a status update was released on both players on Tuesday. “I feel like he’s been dealing with soreness and various injuries for much of the offseason. Hope he’s okay!!”

Another speculated if Garrett might be facing a hidden “chronic knee issue,” while recognizing that the Rams are likely being “extremely cautious,” as McVay suggests.

While some ambiguity surrounds Garrett’s knee soreness, McVay deserves trust when it comes to taking special care of his superstars in August.

For instance, Matthew Stafford didn’t log a single practice snap last year due to a herniated disc in his lower back. Some NFL analysts thought he wouldn’t be prepared for the outset of the regular season, while others claimed he might never play again.

The outcome? Stafford participated in all 17 games and had one of the best seasons of his 17-year career, even winning the NFL Most Valuable Player award.

McVay has learned over his 10 years as head coach of the Rams to treat August practices as a time for preparation rather than a proving ground for his prominent players. Stafford, Nacua, Garrett, and veteran receiver Davante Adams don’t need preseason time to affirm their spots on the roster; they simply need to be healthy for Sundays.

McVay reiterated on Tuesday that Garrett’s absence is entirely precautionary, with the main goal to ensure he is ready for the season opener in Australia.

“We are, yeah,” McVay confirmed when asked if the Rams were being overly cautious. “The objective is to determine what we can do to get him prepared for Australia. That’s the approach we’re taking.”

For now, there’s no reason for alarm.

However, Garrett was brought to Los Angeles to elevate an already formidable Rams defense to an even scarier level. Fans have spent almost three months envisioning what he will look like with horns, potentially alongside Aaron Donald, in what could become the greatest pass rush ever assembled.

Eventually, they’d like to finally see him on the field.

Until then, every missed practice adds to the intrigue surrounding that elusive knee injury.

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