The most important player on the Los Angeles Rams defense has missed three consecutive practices in early August, a precaution that reflects both wisdom and experience.
Myles Garrett, the star defensive end acquired by the Rams in a major trade this offseason, has been sidelined due to "a little soreness in his lower half," according to head coach Sean McVay. The coach's tone was measured and calm, projecting confidence rather than concern, signaling a strategic approach to his veteran's health.
"We're erring on the side of caution, and then we'll see what it looks like after the day off," McVay said, downplaying any cause for alarm.
This approach is far from surprising or alarmist--it aligns with a growing emphasis around the NFL on preserving player health during the grueling preseason schedule. For a player like Garrett, now in his 10th NFL season since being the first overall pick in 2017, maintaining peak health for the regular season and playoffs is paramount.
Last season offered a glimpse of the Rams' potential with an offense firing on all cylinders--notably quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, and wide receiver Puka Nacua hauling in 129 passes for 1,715 yards. The defense, anchored by Garrett, was expected to complement that production. The defensive end embodies the cornerstone of those expectations.
The history of great pass rushers in the league is marked by caution in the early part of training camps. Heavy workloads and aggressive reps in July and August have prematurely ended seasons for many elite players. The Rams organization, acutely aware of the stakes, is carefully managing Garrett to avoid that fate.
In addition to Garrett, the Rams have invested heavily in their defense, adding young talent like cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Emmanuel Forbes Jr., safety Kam Curl, and defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske. Garrett is the crown jewel in this defensive unit, and his health is critical.
Missing three practices in a row during camp is not a serious warning sign but rather a prudent yellow flag. It is an acknowledgment of the physical toll a 30-year-old edge rusher carries after years of competing at the highest level. By allowing the team's medical and training staff to manage his soreness carefully, the Rams are prioritizing long-term readiness over short-term showmanship.
This approach recalls how legendary defenses of decades past brought their stars along gradually. The 1980s New York Giants did this with linebacker Lawrence Taylor, and the 2000s Pittsburgh Steelers managed their veterans similarly. The principle remains the same: protect the team's investment early on to reap benefits when it matters most--in January.
Looking ahead, the immediate question is not whether Garrett will be available for Week 1, but rather whether he will remain healthy and dominant through Week 18 and into the postseason. The Rams have built a roster to win now, carrying $15.27 million in cap space with $287.28 million committed to active players, per Over the Cap. This strategy underscores their commitment to winning the 2026 season.
McVay's public statements underscore that balance. He described Garrett's situation as "nothing of concern" and reiterated that there is "no reason for concern." That message is crucial for maintaining composure within the locker room, preventing the kind of panic that could disrupt continuity in training camp.
The Rams' decision to hold Garrett out of practice is not born of fear but stems from the luxury provided by a talented and deep roster and a coaching staff with a firm grasp on NFL calendar priorities. Preseason games and roster cutdowns still lie ahead, but for Garrett, the key is maintaining health for the regular season opener and beyond.
Garrett's career has been marked by disruptive play--relentlessly chasing quarterbacks, controlling the edge, and forcing offensive coordinators to adjust their game plans. A bit of lower-body soreness in August is part of the price for sustained excellence at his position. The Rams are betting that a cautious approach in training camp will pay dividends later.
Expect Garrett to miss a few more practices, possibly see limited snaps in a preseason game, and then step on the field in Week 1 as a dominant force. That trajectory aligns with the historical pattern of elite pass rushers who have thrived through strategic management of their workloads during camp.
This is a precaution, not a crisis. Treating it as anything more would be a misstep. Garrett's value to this defense is measured not by early August reps but by the pressure, sacks, and intimidation he delivers once the regular season begins.
With the defense now centered around him, the Rams can afford to be patient. The gamble is that this careful approach preserves Garrett's impact when it counts most.
The smart bet is that the patience will pay off. And in the NFL, sometimes the smartest plays happen away from the spotlight.
