Los Angeles Rams fans waiting to see Aaron Donald back on the field might not have to wait much longer. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there is a "very, very realistic chance" that the star pass rusher will play for the Rams against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. This highly anticipated return would occur in Week 2 of the season.
The timing of Donald's potential comeback couldn't be more significant for the Rams. His fellow star pass rusher, Myles Garrett, is currently sidelined with an injury that is expected to keep him out for at least a month. With Garrett unavailable, the Rams' defense is looking for a boost, especially after what Rapoport described as an "ugly" Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The team's performance last week has only amplified the anticipation around Donald's return.
Donald has not played in two years, making his return one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason for the Rams. Speculation has shifted from "Will he?" earlier in the year to "When will he?" more recently, with the "when" now potentially just days away. This long absence means that his re-entry into NFL play is under considerable scrutiny, both from fans and analysts.
Despite the two-year hiatus, Rapoport suggests that Donald is likely to push for a full-time workload rather than being eased back in with a strict snap count. While some might expect Donald to return as a part-time player, Rapoport explained he knows the player and human nature too well to expect that. He acknowledged that playing "10 to 15 plays a game" is a possibility. However, Rapoport stated that with the game on the line, even in the third and fourth quarters, Donald "is going to want to play." This perspective highlights the expectation that Donald, if he plays, will want to contribute fully to the team's efforts.
Rapoport also indicated that Donald himself is targeting the Monday night game for his return. Based on conversations with "people who know," Rapoport stated that Donald's goal "would be to be out there against the Giants with the entire country watching." This suggests not only a readiness to play but also a desire to make a significant re-entry on a national stage. For a team looking to rebound from a tough start and facing the absence of another key player, Donald's potential return offers a compelling narrative and a boost to the team's defensive prospects.
