Aaron Donald will be back in the Rams’ lineup for Monday night’s showdown with the Bills, and that’s the kind of news Los Angeles needed before facing Josh Allen.
Rams coach Sean McVay said Saturday that Donald is set to play in Week 5 after sitting out last week’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles with a back injury. Donald got through Friday’s practice in full, which pointed in the right direction, and even though he did not practice Saturday, McVay said that would not keep him out Monday.
The return matters because Donald’s comeback has already had its share of twists. After spending more than two years away from professional football, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year announced his retirement after the 2023 season, then shocked the league again in August by deciding to return to the Rams for the 2026 season.
He has had to work back into game shape along the way. Donald missed the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, then made his return against the New York Giants with three tackles, including one for a loss, across 33 defensive snaps.
The next week against the Denver Broncos, he posted one tackle and a quarterback hit before back soreness flared up and kept him out of practice the following week. That led to him being ruled out against Philadelphia, giving him extra time to recover.
Even without Donald, the Rams’ defense delivered one of its best outings of the year in a 24-20 win over the Eagles. Los Angeles erased a fourth-quarter deficit and got after Jalen Hurts, finishing with four sacks. Byron Young led the charge with 2½ sacks, while the rest of the front chipped in as well.
Still, Donald changes the equation. His presence on the interior gives the Rams another veteran weapon against a quarterback like Allen, who can make life miserable for defenses by extending plays and creating outside the pocket. Donald has not logged a sack yet during his return this season, but his reputation alone forces offenses to account for him.
That should matter for Young and the rest of the Rams’ front, too, because Donald’s ability to draw attention can open things up for everyone around him.
Los Angeles is also still waiting on another major defensive name. Myles Garrett remains on injured reserve after knee surgery following the season opener, and the two-time Defensive Player of the Year is not eligible to return until after Monday’s game. The Rams acquired Garrett during the offseason, but injuries have kept the pair from sharing the field early in the year.
For now, the Rams will settle for having Donald back as they try to build on the Philadelphia win and get above .500 for the first time this season. Buffalo comes in off a Week 4 loss to the New England Patriots, setting up a Monday night matchup with plenty on the line for both teams.
The Rams and Bills are scheduled to kick off Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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