The Los Angeles Rams took the practice field over their last few sessions noticeably absent one Myles Garrett. Their prized offseason trade acquisition missed the previous four-day block of training camp practices.
Rams head coach Sean McVay suggested that the decision was more of a precautionary measure than something worth fretting over.
That advice is much easier to follow after Wednesday’s news.
Myles Garrett Draws Attention After Absence From Rams Practice
GettyMyles Garrett’s absence from Rams training camp was a source of intrigue.
The Rams gave up a sizeable haul for Garrett, sending a bevy of draft picks, including the 29th overall pick. They also sent 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse to the Cleveland Browns for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Naturally, Garrett’s absence was a source of intrigue.
Fittingly, then, his return to the practice field for the Rams on Wednesday is an equally significant stress reliever.
“Myles Garrett is suited up and practicing for the first time after four practices off with lower-body soreness,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins reported in a post on X on August 5, referencing McVay’s explanation for the superstar’s absence.
Garrett’s return drew the kind of attention one might expect when a team’s best defensive player is forced to miss time. But McVay never let on that Garrett was dealing with anything more serious than what the coach claimed.
“We’re erring on the side of being smart with him,” McVay told reporters on August 2. “He is as tough as it gets. And so, we want to make sure that he feels as good as possible. And so, I think, as you know, guys that have played a lot of football, we’ve got a lot of opportunities to be able to get better. But we also want to make sure that we’re getting an understanding of, all right, how to work best with him, and he’s been outstanding.”
McVay said at the time that Garrett would miss the following day’s session. So, the Rams followed their plan for Garrett to a T.
Myles Garrett Gets Honest About Setback
GettyMyles Garrett said he is feeling “good” after missing multiple practices.
Garrett took to the podium after the Rams’ practice on Wednesday and explained just what went into the decision to rest him.
“Feel good. I’m allowed to get sore. A little old,” Garrett told reporters on August 5. “I don’t think it’s happened every training camp. But every now and then I get a bump and bruise, and they’re just trying to make sure I get back and 100%.”
Garrett used his downtime to bond with his teammates.
“I play cards, sit and talk, have lunch. You get a lot of time to just break bread with guys and learn where they’re from, their motivations,” Garrett said, echoing sentiments shared by fellow Rams trade acquisition Trent McDuffie. “I think that’s what helps build a great team, once you know your brothers.”
Garrett also noted that the Rams must block out the noise regarding their being the preseason Super Bowl favorites.
“We don’t particularly care. At the end of the day, you got to ignore the noise, whether you’re in position and the betting favorite, or someone doesn’t have you reaching the playoffs. So, you’ve got to come out here and earn the right to get to the first game in training camp. Coming out here, pushing yourself, working with your teammates. I don’t take any game for granted, whether it’s preseason or regular season,” Garrett said.
“It’s a privilege to be out here and then play in front of the fans. So, I’ll talk about the Super Bowl and our goals, and how we plan to get there. But it’ll always be one game at a time, one day at a time.”
Rams Get Good News About Myles Garrett After Setback