Los Angeles Rams prepare for Myles Garrett debut in NFL season opener

The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for a historic NFL season opener against the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A central storyline is the debut of Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, following a blockbuster trade from the Cleveland Browns that included Jared Verse and multiple draft picks.

Garrett, who set the NFL single-season sack record with 23 last year, has been working alongside unretired defensive star Aaron Donald. While Donald has expressed that playing with Garrett is “special,” he will not travel to Australia for the season opener. Garrett has dealt with knee swelling during the summer but has indicated he is ready to play, though he may be on a snap count.

The matchup features significant defensive shifts, with the Rams deploying a bolstered front seven and the 49ers transitioning to a five-man front under new coordinator Raheem Morris. Other notable rookie storylines include Mansoor Delane’s professional debut for the Colts against the Denver Broncos.