Myles Garrett’s lingering knee swelling creates new Rams concern

The Los Angeles Rams finally have a number to attach to Myles Garrett’s lingering injury: 85%.

Garrett is still experiencing swelling in his knee, and head coach Sean McVay said the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is operating at roughly 85%, according to The Athletic’s Nate Atkins.

The figure is both reassuring and notable. It suggests Garrett is well into his recovery after missing four consecutive practices with a shoulder injury, but it also confirms that was not the only issue has is dealing with.

McVay initially described Garrett’s injury only as soreness in his “lower half.” He repeatedly said there was “no reason for concern,” explaining that Los Angeles was erring on the side of caution with the 30-year-old veteran.

Garrett returned to practice Aug. 5 and attempted to quiet any alarm.

“I feel good,” Garrett told reporters. “I’m allowed to get sore. I’m a little old.”

The latest disclosure does not necessarily signal a setback, but the added detail changes the context. Knee swelling is more concrete than vague lower-body soreness, and an 85% estimate makes Garrett’s workload worth monitoring as the Rams increase the intensity of their preparation.

Los Angeles does not need its new star to prove anything during joint practices or the preseason. It needs to know his knee responds properly once he begins stacking full-speed practices.

Garrett’s broader health record provides reason for optimism.

Draft Sharks classifies him as a low injury risk for 2026, giving him a 36% chance of injury and projecting only 1.3 games missed. The only previous knee injury listed in the outlet’s database is a Grade 1 strain during his final season at Texas A&M in 2016, which cost him three games.

Garrett has otherwise demonstrated unusual durability for such a punishing position. He played all 17 games in each of the past two seasons and set the NFL’s single-season record with 23 sacks in 2025.

McVay’s cautious approach makes sense. Every August rep carries far less value than having Garrett healthy for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia and a potential Super Bowl run.

Still, 85% is not fully healthy. The next meaningful indicators will be whether the swelling subsides and whether Garrett can practice repeatedly without requiring another extended break.

For now, Garrett’s durability says not to panic. The size of the Rams’ championship bet says his knee remains too important to dismiss.