Overview
- Aaron Donald told reporters on Friday that he plans to play for the Los Angeles Rams against the New York Giants on Monday night, which would be his first NFL game since the 2023 season.
- The Rams opened the season with a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne and now must adjust after Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve following knee surgery and is expected to miss multiple games.
- Coaches say Donald skipped the season opener to build conditioning, has practiced in Southern California, and will be managed with reduced snap counts and day-to-day availability rather than an immediate every-down role.
- Donald’s presence reshapes the Rams’ defensive plan because he is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year who draws frequent double teams and can change how opponents block inside on run and pass plays.
- Donald signed a one-year deal after ending a two-season retirement in late August, and his home debut at SoFi Stadium will test whether limited snaps can deliver immediate impact while protecting his long-term health.