Will Myles Garrett play today? Rams expect him to, but they must be cautious

The Los Angeles Rams invested significant value in prying Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, the investment did not pay off as quickly as hoped. Garrett was ineffective in his Week 1 debut against the San Francisco 49ers. After that game, he underwent knee surgery and missed the next seven games.

He returned to the active roster in Week 9 and recorded three sacks to help Los Angeles defeat the Washington Commanders and improve to a record of 5-4. But the sudden strain of competing in a game may have been more than Garrett's knee was ready to handle. As a result, the elite edge rusher is questionable to play in Week 10.

Garrett's week of practice was managed carefully. He was a limited participant in two practices and sat out the final session. Combining that with his questionable status would seem to indicate regression. But in his weekly injury update, head coach Sean McVay was optimistic that Garrett would play:

"He's feeling good. It's more of getting him feeling as good as possible. He's had a really good week. Played a bunch of snaps and expect him to be able to build on that, but we're being smart with him."

Rams have to stay smart with Myles Garrett's workload

Rather than enjoying two weeks off, as traditionally afforded by the bye, the Rams will have two 10-day mini-byes.

The first comes in Week 11, their official bye week, and they get another in Week 14. LA hosts the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Eve in Week 12, providing a 10-day break between games.

In Week 13, the Horns host the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. Finally, another 10 days later, they travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers.

With that in mind, Garrett and other injured players should have ample time to rest up and heal. The Rams certainly need players to get healthy.

The relative infrequency of games scheduled over the next four weeks could prompt LA to push Garrett and other banged-up players to compete in the meantime. While that may be viable, the Horns have to be smart about Garrett's workload.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is part of the cream of LA's roster crop. Even at 50 percent, he might be the best option off the edge. But the Rams must weigh the risks of injury. Having Garrett healthy will be crucial to beating good teams later in the schedule.

Against the Cardinals, Los Angeles will need to ensure Garrett is not overextended and subjected to further injury. For now, expect him to play. Despite his dominant debut, don't set the bar too high. Garrett is vital for the future as well, and the Rams must handle him accordingly. With care.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow