Myles Garrett set for Rams debut in Australia
Myles Garrett will make his Los Angeles debut Friday in the Rams’ season opener in Australia, a development that reshapes expectations for the team’s pass rush heading into Week 1.
The team reported Garrett missed most of the preseason with knee soreness, but head coach Sean McVay said Garrett will be ready for Week 1, and the club provided additional context in an update from Los Angeles Rams Official.
Key Takeaways
- Myles Garrett is scheduled to make his Rams debut in Australia and targets Week 1 availability after missing most preseason practice due to knee soreness.
- Head coach Sean McVay said Garrett will be ready to go, while McVay confirmed Aaron Donald will not travel to Australia and will not play in the opener.
- Garrett practiced with Aaron Donald and described the on-field work with him as a special professional experience.
- Peers voted Garrett No. 1 on this year’s NFL Top 100 Players list, a recognition he credited to teammates from his Cleveland years.
Garrett integration and practice work
Myles Garrett Week 1 status
Garrett acknowledged knee soreness kept him out of most preseason practices and said he believes he can go out there and do what he knows he can do.
McVay said Garrett has looked great and that the staff has been smart in managing him, calling him ready for Week 1.
Garrett working with Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald ended his retirement on Aug. 30 and has practiced with the Rams since rejoining the team.
McVay confirmed Donald will not travel to Australia and will not play in the season opener.
Training with Australian coach Billy Coffey
A viral clip showed Garrett training with Australian rugby coach Billy Coffey on drills aimed at adding power to his contact work.
Garrett said the drills were beneficial for improving tackling technique and for work designed to help force turnovers.
Garrett goals and peer recognition
Garrett reiterated two personal goals: win a Super Bowl and win Defensive Player of the Year again.
He called peer voting that placed him No. 1 on the NFL Top 100 Players list a blessing and credited the teammates he had in Cleveland for that recognition.
Rams pass rush availability comparison
| Player | Preseason practice availability | Week 1 travel and game status | Peer recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myles Garrett | Missed most preseason practice because of knee soreness | Expected to play in the season opener in Australia per team reporting | Voted No. 1 on this year’s NFL Top 100 Players list |
| Aaron Donald | Returned to practice after ending retirement on Aug. 30 | Will not travel to Australia and will not play in Week 1 per the head coach | Established veteran defender and team leader |
SEC roster construction implications
From a roster-construction angle, Garrett’s immediate availability illustrates the value of integrating a top-tier addition while managing workload to protect long-term production.
Coaches and evaluators can reference this example when planning situational snaps and depth management for high-impact players who have limited preseason preparation.
