The Los Angeles Rams' decision to arrive late in Australia for their Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers and play an injured Myles Garrett continues to draw criticism as the team struggles through a 2-3 start to the 2026 NFL season.

Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard questioned the Rams' preparation Tuesday after Los Angeles suffered a 37-34 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

“I've gotta say it again, now with the Rams at 2-3: I'll never understand what they were doing flying in so late–and playing Myles Garrett after flying in so late–to Melbourne in Week 1. They're a very talented & smart team that f-ed up the start of the season with this, IMO.”

The Rams opened their season with a 27-7 loss to the 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia.

Garrett, who dealt with knee swelling throughout training camp, played 62% of Los Angeles' defensive snaps but failed to record a tackle. He subsequently underwent surgery on his left knee and was placed on injured reserve Sept. 17.

Rams' Myles Garrett decision under scrutiny after Australia loss to 49ers

Kawakami emphasized that his criticism of the Rams' travel arrangements and handling of Garrett preceded their disappointing start.

“This is not hindsight. This is not trolling. I think the Rams are a fantastic franchise. But I said back in Week 1 — actually I said it weeks before that, when the Rams' plan was known — that this was not how a serious team should approach the start of a season.”

Garrett's absence has further complicated Los Angeles' season. The Rams acquired the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year from the Cleveland Browns during the offseason, but his debut remains his only appearance.

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Head coach Sean McVay indicated Saturday that Garrett was unlikely to have his 21-day practice window opened this week, leaving his return timetable uncertain.
Meanwhile, San Francisco has taken a considerably different trajectory since its Australia victory.

The 49ers have opened the season 5-0 and sit atop the NFC West, ahead of the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks (3-2).

San Francisco will attempt to remain undefeated against the Washington Commanders (1-3-1) on Monday Night Football at 5:15 p.m. PT on ESPN and ABC.

The Rams, meanwhile, will look to recover against the Arizona Cardinals (1-4) on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT on Fox.