Overview
- Donald is expected to suit up and start for the Rams against the New York Giants on Monday while coaches plan to monitor his game-day availability.
- NFL insiders project a restricted first-game workload of roughly 20 to 30 defensive snaps as the team eases him back after a 982-day layoff from regular-season play.
- The decision to limit Donald’s snaps follows Myles Garrett’s knee surgery and placement on injured reserve, which increased the Rams’ need for veteran interior pass rush.
- Donald has urged caution himself, saying he’s 'just one guy' at age 35 after two years away, yet his career resume of durable starts, 543 tackles and 111 sacks means even limited minutes could change matchups.
- Coaches will use a rotation to keep Donald fresh on key downs, and his early performance could shift game plans for opponents and affect how the Rams allocate snaps across the defensive line later this season.