Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske isn't worried about losing snaps to Aaron Donald amid potential return buzz.
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske isn't worried about losing snaps to Aaron Donald amid potential return buzz.
In a recent press conference with the media, Fiske was asked about his thoughts on Donald coming back and the chance of him losing snaps. The third-year defensive lineman rather embraced that possibility and said he’d look forward to learning from Donald if that were to be the case.
"I try to think of being impacted in the right way, in the healthy way,” Fiske said. "There’s a lot I could learn from him if he chooses that way, and if he doesn't, I love the group that we have, and we're getting some really good work in out here."
Fiske added that his worry is on the defensive line getting better, with or without Donald.
"But if that's what he chooses to do, we're here, we're going to do some work, and if not, we're going to continue to get this train rolling and get this thing going," Fiske said.
Fiske is set to enter his third year in the league. The Rams drafted Fiske a month after Donald announced his retirement. Los Angeles selected Fiske with the 39th overall pick in the second round of the 0224 NFL Draft out of Florida State.
Fiske's first two seasons in the league have gone quite well. Despite an underwhelming 2025 season (mainly due to injuries), he has recorded 11.5 sacks, 74 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and one pass defended in 34 career games.
With or without Donald, Fiske is expected to take a bigger leap. The addition of Myles Garrett will benefit the entire defensive line, and Fiske is no exception.
The return of Donald is all that anybody has been talking about. Head coach Sean McVay has been asked about Donald in every single interview that he's done, and as it is a week away from the first preseason game, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ Donald will return to the Rams.
For the past month or so, Donald has done his best to get back into football shape, and at this point, it would be shocking if he decides not to come back. On top of that, the 35-year-old flew his speed trainer out from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles as he mulls over the potential of a return.
McVay mentioned a few weeks ago that a decision would not be made until the Rams return to their regular season practice facility in Woodland Hills. The Rams will do so next week, which could be the earliest we have official word on Donald's status for 2026.
