Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald is predicted to make his return in Week 2.
All eyes have been on Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald since he announced his decision to un-retire and play for the team in 2026. The issue is that he has had to ramp up to football activities and was ruled out for Week 1.
Now, his return is even more anticipated since the Rams lost fellow defensive end Myles Garrett, who is now undergoing knee surgery. With Donald's return not yet confirmed, he is predicted to make his 2026 debut in Week 2.
Earlier on Monday, head coach Sean McVay spoke to the media and revealed that it has not yet been decided if Donald would play on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets.
"We haven't decided that yet. He's going to continue to work his process, and you know, we'll see what that looks like," McVay said.
McVay has been very forthcoming about Donald's football health, as has the defender himself. They both spoke about the need to ensure he is ready to take the field, which was a big reason he did not travel to Australia and was not ready for Week 1.
Now, it does appear that Donald will be with the Rams on Monday, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport predicted.
"There is a very, very realistic chance. It feels to me, based on the people that I spoke with, that Aaron Donald is targeting Monday night to return," Rapoport said.
Rapoport was also careful to state that he is not guaranteeing that Donald will be ready to play in Week 2 and he has to get his body right, but there is a strong chance that he will be suiting up.
As mentioned, Garrett is now out for multiple weeks due to needing knee surgery. He was placed on the IR (injured reserve), which will knock him out for at least the next four games.
McVay also stated that he is still unsure just how long Garrett may be out, which will be solely based on his recovery.
With that in mind, getting Donald back on the field will be very important. However, the Rams have a defense that contains many players capable of stepping up.
McVay pointed to linebackers Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart as two players he expects to step up as strong pass rushers in Garrett's absence.
Should Donald return, he might also help to elevate the pass rush in a major way by opening chances for defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Poona Ford, Young, and fellow defensive end Braden Fiske.
Despite being handily beaten in Week 1, the Rams should bounce back in a big way come Week 2. That could especially be true if Donald is able to take the field.
