As the NFL season kicks off on September 12, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams are already facing a crisis. Their blockbuster offseason acquisition, edge rusher Myles Garrett, appears to be dealing with a significant knee injury that cast a shadow over his debut in a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Garrett's quiet performance—zero tackles for only the fourth time in 135 career games—has raised concerns about his health and the Rams' lofty expectations.
A Concerning Debut
Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, was expected to transform the Rams' defense after a historic 23-sack season with the Cleveland Browns. But in Week 1, he looked nothing like himself. "This was the worst version of myself that I've put out there," Garrett admitted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. "I've got to find a way to recover and get back to the player I know I can be." He declined to specify which knee is injured or the severity, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate. The Rams traded a king's ransom for Garrett, and his early struggles have sparked questions about whether the team rushed him back too soon.
Ripple Effects on the Rams
The loss to the 49ers was more than just a single defeat; it was historically bad. According to SportsOddHistory.com, the Rams became the first preseason Super Bowl favorite to lose their opener by 20 or more points in 50 years. The 49ers neutralized Garrett with ease, and the Rams' offense sputtered, averaging -0.66 expected points added per play in 11 personnel, per Sports Illustrated's Blaine Grisak. The defense, which was supposed to be a strength, allowed 27 points and looked out of sync. As highlighted on Vulius, the Rams' decision to play Garrett for six special-teams snaps—despite his obvious discomfort—raises questions about the team's handling of player health.
Analyst and Fan Reactions
The criticism has been swift. ESPN Cleveland analyst Tony Rizzo didn't hold back: "What did he do all offseason? Went to this thing, went to that thing, was in LA doing commercials, and you show up like that in Game 1 after the team gave up everything for you? Bad look, man." Fans echoed similar sentiments, with one commenter on a Rams forum pointing to head coach Sean McVay's play-calling as a recurring issue: "McVay's pass play calling has been poor ever since we won the Super Bowl. We win in spite of his play calling, not because of it." The pressure is mounting on McVay and general manager Les Snead to right the ship quickly.
What's Next for Garrett and the Rams?
Garrett has a chance to silence doubters in Week 2 against the New York Giants, but his knee remains a looming concern. If he can't return to form, the Rams' Super Bowl aspirations could crumble. The team also made waves by terminating the contract of cornerback Alex Johnson, a move that signals they're not afraid to make tough decisions. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Garrett's health and whether the Rams can overcome this early adversity. For now, the NFL world watches and waits, with Vulius Sports providing continuous coverage and analysis.
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