There's an intriguing injury story line to follow leading up to the San Francisco 49ers season opener vs. the Los Angeles Rams, and for once it doesn't have to do with the 49ers.
While the 49ers had more players listed on their practice participation report, including nine who were considered 'limited,' the Rams' practice report featured a key name among its non-participants. Defensive end Myles Garrett didn't take part in LA's first practice of the week because of a knee injury that he's been dealing with throughout camp.
Garrett missed various chunks of the Rams' preseason with swelling in his knee. He was back in practice for the Rams on Sunday and is expected to play in Week 1, but his full absence from Tuesday's session is at the very least
notable because the 49ers could be catching another break on the Rams' defensive line.
With Aaron Donald already not making the trip to Australia, the 49ers may now also be facing a hobbled version of the reigning defensive player of the year. Although if any player could still be productive when limited it's going to be Garrett who set the NFL single-season record with 23.0 sacks.
Even if Garrett is somewhat limited in the season opener the 49ers will surely take it as they continue ironing out some wrinkles on their offensive line early on. Garrett would likely be lining up across from left tackle Trent Williams, but the 49ers' inexperience at left guard would leave the middle of the 49ers' offensive line susceptible to stunts and games that Garrett would be particularly effective on.
If the Rams scale back even a small amount of what Garrett can do at full strength it would make life easier on a questionable 49ers offensive front.
Niners Wire: 9 players limited, 1 out on 49ers 1st official Week 1 practice report
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Myles Garrett injury: Are 49ers catching another break vs. Rams?
