Trouble for the Rams: Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett could miss Week 1

The Los Angeles Rams built their defense around the idea of unleashing Myles Garrett alongside Aaron Donald . With the season opener approaching, however, the first question is whether Garrett will be ready to take the field at all.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has spent much of the summer managing swelling in his knee and has been a full participant in practice only twice.

That has made his status one of the biggest storylines surrounding Los Angeles ahead of its Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.

Sean McVay has now provided the clearest indication yet of what the Rams are working toward.

“He’s making good progress. Really good progress,” McVay said Monday. “The goal all along has been Australia.”

Garrett ’s limited practice work has naturally created concern, especially after the Rams expected him to return last week and he remained sidelined.

McVay , though, has continued to frame the situation as caution rather than setback.

Rams not willing to gamble Garrett’s season

Garrett arrived in Los Angeles after leading the NFL with 23 sacks in 2025, and the Rams paid heavily to acquire one of the league’s most dominant defensive players.

That makes the temptation to get him on the field immediately obvious.

McVay insists the organization will not allow the excitement surrounding the opener to override Garrett ’s long-term health.

“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.

That approach makes sense for a player expected to anchor the defense over an entire season rather than simply provide a spectacle in Week 1.

The Rams also named Garrett one of their captains, underlining how quickly he has become a central figure despite missing considerable practice time.

Donald’s return adds more uncertainty

The intrigue has only increased following Donald ’s decision to come out of retirement.

The prospect of Garrett and Donald lining up together has immediately transformed expectations for the Rams ’ defensive front, but Donald is also being eased back after two seasons away from football.

He didn't practice Monday, instead working in the weight room as part of what the team described as a planned progression.

That means Los Angeles could enter the opener without either of the two names generating the most excitement around its defense.

The Rams are clearly hoping it does not come to that. Garrett is trending in the right direction, and McVay ’s comments make Australia the obvious target.

Still, the organization is drawing a firm line. The goal is to have Garrett ready for Week 1. The priority is making sure he is ready for everything that comes after it.