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Aaron Donald Returns, Rams Rout Giants
Confirmed
In Short: Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams' defensive tackle, returned to action on Monday night, leading the Rams to a dominant 34-10 victory over the New York Giants in their home opener.
Donald's return was highly anticipated after he sat out the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, where the Rams suffered a 27-7 loss.
The Rams' defense, bolstered by Donald's presence, was a significant factor in the team's improved performance.
Donald's return was a key factor in the Rams' ability to bounce back from their season-opening loss, as he provided a strong pass rush and leadership on the field.
The Giants, who had started their season with a strong performance against the Dallas Cowboys, struggled to contain the Rams' defense.
Despite the loss, the Giants' John Harbaugh era began with a promising start, but the team faced a formidable challenge with Donald's return.
Donald's return was unusual, as he had retired in March 2024 after a 10-season career and did not play in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The Rams' decision to bring back Donald on a one-year deal underscores the team's belief in his potential impact.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Shula and coach Sean McVay were cautious about committing to Donald's playing status, but his full participation in practice on Thursday and Friday indicated his readiness.
Donald's return provided a significant boost to the Rams' defense, helping to offset the loss of Myles Garrett, who is out for at least four games due to knee surgery.
The Rams' offense, which struggled in the season opener with just 290 yards of total offense, showed improvement with contributions from Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Malik Nabers, and Isaiah Likely.
Donald's presence on the field was a morale booster for the Rams, as he practiced fully and expressed his excitement about playing alongside his teammates.
What this adds
Donald's return is significant as he retired in March 2024 after a 10-season career and did not play in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The Rams' decision to bring back Donald on a one-year deal highlights the team's belief in his potential impact.
The Giants, despite their strong start, faced a formidable challenge with Donald's return.
Background
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.
What's confirmed
- The smile on Aaron Donald's face said it all, well before he verbalized his expectation that he will play for the Los Angeles Rams in their home opener against the New York Giants on Monday night.
- Defensive tackle Kobie Turner called Donald's likely return an extra jolt of enthusiasm for a team looking to shake off a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
- "He won't be gone forever, so let him rest up, get healthy, and he'll be back soon," Donald said.
- The only uncertainty was how long it would take him to feel physically ready to step back on the field in an NFL game.
- "So, excited for him to have the opportunity to go and put it on display on Monday, and excited to be out there with him." Donald's presence would give the defense a great pass rusher to help offset the loss of Myles Garrett for at least four games because of knee surgery.
- It was the seismic trade for Garrett in June that got Donald thinking about rejoining the Rams, but the 35-year-old will have to wait a little longer to play alongside Garrett.
- "So, hold it down while he's gone, and then when he's back, we'll get rolling." Donald doesn't feel any pressure to make up for Garrett's absence because of teammates such as Turner, Braden Fiske and outside linebacker Byron Young.
- The Giants (1-0) came into this week believing Donald would be available.
What's still developing
- L.A. gets Aaron Donald back on Monday night, but the so-called super team looks like anything but so far.
- In the final game of Week 2, the Los Angeles Rams host the New York Giants on "Monday Night Football." The Rams were embarrassed in their season opener by the division rival San Francisco 49ers, falling 27-7 in Australia.
- Jaxson Dart had arguably the single-best game of his career, Cam Skattebo rumbled through the defense all night, Malik Nabers made it through his return game unscathed and emerged with six receptions and Isaiah Likely lit up the second level of the Dallas defense for a pair of touchdowns.
- The Giants did whatever they wanted against the Cowboys on "Sunday Night Football" last weekend.
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 · 1:04 AM ET In Short: 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.
- The Giants, meanwhile, are preparing for Donald at his best, despite his two-year absence.