Home · Sports · Sep 19 archive
Aaron Donald Set to Return for Rams' Home Opener Against Giants
Confirmed
In Short: Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams' defensive tackle, confirmed Friday that he plans to play in the team's home opener against the New York Giants on Monday night. Donald's return comes after he sat out the season opener in Australia due to his preparation for the NFL season.
During a Friday practice, Donald told reporters, 'That’s the plan,' when asked if he would play against the Giants. The team announced his return on Aug. 30, following his absence from the opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Donald's decision to return for the home opener is significant for the Rams, who suffered a 27-7 loss in their season opener in Melbourne, Australia. The veteran defensive tackle's presence is expected to bolster the team's defense, which struggled without him and Myles Garrett, who is currently on injured reserve.
Donald's return will provide the Rams with another option up front, though he will not be playing alongside Garrett, who is recovering from a knee injury. The extra week of practice has positioned Donald to make his season debut at SoFi Stadium.
When asked about his feelings on returning to SoFi Stadium, Donald said, 'I don’t know, I ain’t really think about that.' However, he added, 'Two practices, today, have another practice tomorrow, and then we’ll see, but feeling good.
Donald's preparation for the NFL season has been a focus for the Rams, with the veteran defensive tackle spending the summer working his way back into game shape after spending two seasons away from football. His return could provide a significant boost to the team's defense, which has been under pressure following the loss to the 49ers.
The Rams' defense, which includes players like Donald and Garrett, is expected to play a crucial role in the team's upcoming games. Donald emphasized the importance of the defense stepping up until Garrett is able to return to action.
With Donald's return, the Rams are set to face the Giants in a matchup that carries added pressure for the team. The veteran defensive tackle's presence could help the Rams erase the bitter taste of their season-opening loss and provide a much-needed boost to their defense.
What this adds
This report adds confirmation from multiple sources that Aaron Donald plans to play in the Rams' home opener against the New York Giants on Monday night. The sources also provide additional context on Donald's preparation and the team's expectations for his return.
Background
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald told reporters he plans to play Monday night against the New York Giants.
Aaron Donald, a future Hall of Fame defensive tackle, told reporters he plans to play in the Rams' home opener against the New York Giants on Monday night.
What's confirmed
- During a Friday practice, Donald told reporters, 'That’s the plan,' when asked if he would play against the Giants. The team announced his return on Aug. 30, following his absence from the opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
- Donald's decision to return for the home opener is significant for the Rams, who suffered a 27-7 loss in their season opener in Melbourne, Australia. The veteran defensive tackle's presence is expected to bolster the team's defense, which struggled without him and Myles Garrett, who is currently on injured reserve.
- Donald's return will provide the Rams with another option up front, though he will not be playing alongside Garrett, who is recovering from a knee injury. The extra week of practice has positioned Donald to make his season debut at SoFi Stadium.
- When asked about his feelings on returning to SoFi Stadium, Donald said, 'I don’t know, I ain’t really think about that.' However, he added, 'Two practices, today, have another practice tomorrow, and then we’ll see, but feeling good.
- Donald's preparation for the NFL season has been a focus for the Rams, with the veteran defensive tackle spending the summer working his way back into game shape after spending two seasons away from football. His return could provide a significant boost to the team's defense, which has been under pressure following the loss to the 49ers.
- The Rams' defense, which includes players like Donald and Garrett, is expected to play a crucial role in the team's upcoming games. Donald emphasized the importance of the defense stepping up until Garrett is able to return to action.
- With Donald's return, the Rams are set to face the Giants in a matchup that carries added pressure for the team. The veteran defensive tackle's presence could help the Rams erase the bitter taste of their season-opening loss and provide a much-needed boost to their defense.
What's still developing
- Aaron Donald says he plans to play against the New York Giants on Monday night, putting the Los Angeles Rams closer to getting him back on the field as they prepare for a stretch without Myles Garrett.
- Donald would give the defense another option up front, but his planned appearance would arrive with Garrett unavailable rather than give the Rams the opportunity to deploy both players together.
- This is the next step in a process AFD followed during Donald’s August workouts with the Rams.
- The first competitive snaps would offer evidence about how Donald fits now that offseason workouts cannot provide.
- Aaron Donald just revealed a massive update about his status for Rams vs Giants.
- Aaron Donald appears to be closing in on his long-awaited return to the NFL.
- Asked whether he expects to play against the Giants, Donald made it clear that Monday is the target.
- Donald has acknowledged that he still needs to reacclimate himself to the speed and physicality of the game after his long absence, but the progress during practice has given the Rams reason to believe he can be ready for Monday Night Football.
- After being dominated by the 49ers in their season opener, Los Angeles needs a response against the Giants, and bringing back one of the most accomplished defensive players of his generation would give the defense a major boost.
- It was just one game, of course, and Donald valued his preparation for returning to NFL game action -- an environment he hasn't seen since he retired after the 2023 season -- more than rushing himself back to the field.
- After Los Angeles completed a blockbuster trade for Garrett on June 1, Donald spent the summer flirting with coming out of retirement to rejoin the Rams.
- “It’s always a day at a time,” Shula said of Donald, who practiced in full Thursday and Friday.