During pregame coverage, a report surfaced that Garrett “still has pain in his lower leg,” according to a well-known NFL insider. Garrett is cleared to play against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, but the update adds a new layer to an injury the Rams have monitored closely for weeks.
The Rams paid a hefty price to acquire Garrett in the off-season, trading Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns. The four-year, $160 million contract Garrett signed in 2025 ensures he is a central figure on a championship-focused defense for the full season. Any residual pain, even with Week 1 participation, remains a storyline as the schedule begins.
Garrett is expected to anchor the Rams’ pass rush for a full season, with Byron Young and other pass-rushers expected to contribute as needed. The team has stressed patience with Garrett during his ramp-up, prioritizing long-term impact over a rush to peak immediately.
There was little indication on the final injury report that Garrett’s availability was in doubt, with Rams officials indicating he would be ready to go. The head coach praised Garrett’s progression, noting that the player looked strong as he returned to practice after a period of limited activity.
Garrett returned to on-field drills after weeks of knee management, marking his first visible practice work in weeks. The pregame update thus does not change Week 1 status but makes Garrett’s workload and effectiveness a focal point against the 49ers’ offense led by Brock Purdy, especially after a summer of prudent management.
Los Angeles will also be without Aaron Donald, who did not travel to Australia and is being eased back after retirement. Garrett remains the centerpiece of the pass rush for the opener, with several teammates expected to help apply pressure.
Garrett’s knee became a talking point in August when swelling kept him out of joint practices. The coaching staff indicated Garrett was “about 85%” during that period and emphasized caution over pushing him through summer sessions, with the goal of peaking for the opener.
Garrett is coming off a historic 2025 season, during which he set the NFL single-season sack record with 23 and earned Defensive Player of the Year for the second time. He has posted double-digit sacks in eight straight seasons, and even with heavy attention from opponents, he remains a disruptive force. The Rams acquired him not merely to play in September but to be a dominant presence as they push for a championship run, reflecting the priority given to his health throughout camp.
While active for Week 1 against San Francisco is a positive development, the report of ongoing pain in his lower leg makes Garrett’s early-season workload and effectiveness a storyline to watch closely as the Rams navigate the early schedule.
If you’re following updates on this topic, stay tuned for the latest injury and workload news as the Rams monitor Garrett’s knee and plan his usage in the early games.
