Rams Could be Without Multiple Key Players for Week 1

The Los Angeles Rams are now starting to shift their attention to prepare for their Week 1 matchup in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers to hopefully start the season 1-0. However, there are some things that could make that task more difficult than expected.

Not only do the Rams have to travel to Australia, but they could also be doing so with a few key players potentially out of the lineup. So, let's take a look at the key players who could be out for Los Angeles and when it could be revealed whether or not they are playing in Week 1.

Clearly, one of the biggest pieces of news this entire offseason is the fact that Rams legend Aaron Donald has decided to return and play for Los Angeles during the 2026 season. However, Donald being ready for Week 1 is not guaranteed just yet.

Since Donald's return, there has been speculation as to whether or not he will play in the season opener, and at this point, there is no clear answer.

The travel aspect might be one of the biggest reasons for Donald not playing in the season opener, as he continues to get his body in football shape. Having to travel internationally may lead to a setback.

Regardless of what Donald decides to do, this is a situation to monitor because it will have a key impact on the Rams. 

Also on the defensive side of the ball, the status of edge rusher Myles Garrett is up in the air as he has been dealing with a knee injury, and there has been no clear answer from head coach Sean McVay on whether or not Garrett will be ready for Week 1.

There is no question that Garrett is one of the top defenders in the entire NFL, so this is something that could play a major role in not only how the season opener plays out, but potentially the rest of the season, depending on the severity of this injury.

At this point, Garrett has missed several practices over the past three weeks, which also included joint practices against the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys. However, missing practice is obviously not something that Garrett or the Rams are worried about, as the regular season is much more important than a few practices in August.

So, with the Rams set to kick off against the 49ers a week from now, it will be very interesting to see what Garrett's status is and if he will play or if Los Angeles will be without at least one of their stars for Week 1.

The final two players the Rams have to monitor include wide receiver Puka Nacua and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, who are both waiting on the NFL to come to a decision on possible suspensions for both of them.

Nacua is currently dealing with a lawsuit from an incident on New Year's Eve when he allegedly bit a woman. Jackson was arrested in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident, but is not facing felony charges for that incident.

So far, when it comes to Nacua and Jackson, the biggest news is the fact that neither of them was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, meaning their suspensions would have to be served.

All of these situations have yet to be resolved and could result in the Rams being without some strong players against their divisional rival to open the 2026 season.