An apparatus and method provides for protecting a downspout elbow or extension of a rain gutter from suffering and inflicting harm. The apparatus has a protective outer surface to guard against one or more sharp edges or surfaces of the downspout elbow or extension from suffering or inflicting harm. Methods of protecting the downspout elbow or extension include at least elastically deforming, sliding, rolling, or inverting a portion or all of the apparatus onto the opening and adjacent portions of the downspout elbow or extension.