Aaron Donald Expected for Rams Return Against Giants
Aaron Donald Expected for Rams Return Against Giants
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Key Points
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Donald’s return has followed a gradual practice progression: he first participated in individual drills on Aug. 30 and joined team drills on Sept. 6 after missing two seasons.
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Sean McVay said the Rams are not using specific performance benchmarks to decide whether Donald plays, explaining, “It’s more along the line of how does he feel?”
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McVay said the Rams’ trip to Australia limited Donald’s opportunities to practice, but expressed hope that additional work before Monday would leave him ready to play if he feels prepared.
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If Donald returns, he would join Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford on the Rams’ interior defensive line, adding depth and increasing the team’s interior pass-rush options.
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Myles Garrett has no established timetable beyond the minimum four-game absence required by injured reserve; McVay said the Rams will not rush him back and want him fully prepared to perform at his usual level after knee surgery.
Aaron Donald is expected to make his Los Angeles Rams season debut Monday night against the New York Giants. The veteran defensive tackle, who has not played since the 2023 season, said simply, "That's the plan." KTLA However, coach Sean McVay stopped short of guaranteeing Donald's availability, saying it will depend on how he feels after practice and whether he avoids any setbacks.
Donald's return would significantly boost the Rams' interior pass rush after missing two full seasons. The 35-year-old three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year has participated in individual drills since late August and joined team drills in early September. Larry Brown Sports His roster exemption has been lifted, and he is not on the injury report, clearing the path for his comeback.
Donald's Gradual Return From Two-Year Absence
Donald sat out the entire 2024 season after initially retiring in 2024. He began his comeback with limited drills on August 30, moving to full team drills on September 6. Daily Mail The Rams have not used specific performance benchmarks to evaluate his readiness. Instead, Sean McVay explained the team is focused on "how does he feel?" after each practice session.
The Rams' trip to Australia for Week 1 limited Donald's practice opportunities. McVay expressed hope that additional work before Monday would give Donald enough preparation. The coach emphasized the team will only play him if he feels truly ready to perform at his highest level.
Interior Defense Gets Major Reinforcement
Donald's return would join Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford on the Rams' defensive line. This group would give Los Angeles significant depth and multiple pass-rush options along the interior. River Bender The added strength comes at a crucial time for the Rams' defensive strategy.
However, the Rams will lose defensive end Myles Garrett for at least four games. Garrett was placed on injured reserve following knee surgery. Sean McVay said the team will not rush Garrett's return and wants him fully prepared before he plays again at his typical elite level.
What's Next for the Rams Defense Monday
If Donald plays, the Rams face the Giants with a significantly bolstered defensive front. His presence alone signals confidence in the team's path forward after his unexpected retirement and return. Monday's game will reveal how quickly Donald can regain his form after two seasons away from NFL competition.
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