As the 2026 NFL regular season looms, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in an enviable position despite the prolonged absences of two of their biggest stars. Myles Garrett and Puka Nacua have been sidelined from practice for an extended period, yet the team remains confident both will be ready for Week 1. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this cautious approach—championed by head coach Sean McVay—has shielded the Rams from the rash of season-ending injuries plaguing other franchises.
A League-Wide Injury Epidemic
The preseason has been brutal across the NFL. Dr. Jesse Morse, a prominent sports medicine physician, recently compiled a list of 53 players who have already suffered season-ending injuries. The New Orleans Saints lead the league with five such losses, while teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers have also been hit hard. Notable names on the list include wide receivers Jayden Higgins, Jake Bobo, Calvin Austin, and Ricky Pearsall, along with defensive back Jamal Adams and offensive linemen Michael Deiter and Danny Pinter. The sheer volume of catastrophic injuries underscores the physical toll of the sport and the fine line between preparation and preservation.
For the Rams, however, the injury report is remarkably clean. The only players placed on season-ending IR are Keir Thomas, Zech McPhearson, and Eddie Walls III—all fringe roster hopefuls with minimal NFL experience. Neither Thomas nor McPhearson was projected to make the 53-man roster, and Walls is an undrafted rookie. In contrast, the Rams' core contributors have avoided major setbacks, a testament to McVay's philosophy of holding out key players from preseason action.
“If you’re important, you don’t play in the preseason,” McVay has often said, and this year’s injury data validates that approach.
While Garrett and Nacua have missed valuable practice time, their absences are precautionary rather than injury-related. Garrett, acquired in a blockbuster trade this offseason, has been managing a minor issue, while Nacua is recovering from a soft-tissue concern. The team is also monitoring rookie tackle Keagen Trost, who is unlikely to be active for Week 1. Yet, the Rams' medical staff remains optimistic that all three will be available when the games count.
The Rams' Calculated Gamble
Some might question the wisdom of resting star players for extended periods, as chemistry and timing can be disrupted. But the Rams' coaching staff has a proven track record of integrating talent late in the preseason. With Garrett anchoring the defensive line and Nacua serving as a primary weapon for quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams are banking on their veterans' experience to overcome any rust. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, this strategy is not without risk, but the alternative—rushing players back and risking long-term injury—is far more perilous.
As the regular season approaches, the Rams' patience could give them a distinct advantage. While other teams scramble to replace fallen starters, Los Angeles boasts a healthy, star-studded roster ready to contend. The NFC West remains highly competitive, but if Garrett and Nacua return to form, the Rams could emerge as the division's frontrunners.
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