Aaron Donald is set to play his first NFL game in more than two years on Monday night. Asked on Friday whether he would feature for the Los Angeles Rams against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year replied: “That’s the plan.” The game kicks off at 5:15pm PT (8:15pm ET) on Monday, September 21, and will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
Donald, 35, announced on August 30 that he was coming out of retirement on a one-year, $20 million contract that can rise to $30 million with playoff incentives. The Rams chose not to take him to Australia for their Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10, with both parties agreeing he needed more time to re-acclimatise to the speed of the game. He has since taken part in full 11-on-11 drills and practised twice on Friday, with a further session scheduled for Saturday. “Feeling good,” Donald said. “I feel like I was just here last year.”
The 10-time Pro Bowler and eight-time first-team All-Pro retired after the 2023 season with 111 career sacks and a Super Bowl LVI ring. The Rams also signed defensive tackle Jaxson Moi to the practice squad and promoted safety Tanner Ingle to the active roster on Friday, while wide receiver Puka Nacua was added to the injury report with a hip issue after missing Friday’s practice.
Elsewhere on Friday’s official Week 2 injury reports, the Atlanta Falcons ruled quarterback Michael Penix Jr. out of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers with a knee injury; Cooper Rush, a full participant in practice, will start. The Minnesota Vikings ruled Kyler Murray out with a concussion, meaning Carson Wentz starts against the Chicago Bears.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is doubtful for the visit of the Los Angeles Chargers with a knee injury, Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers is doubtful with a hamstring problem, and Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins has been ruled out against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow is listed as questionable with a back issue, though his head coach said he “should be good to go”.
