Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald said he expects to be in action on Monday against the New York Giants.
“That’s the plan,” Donald has said in response to whether he will play in Week 2. “Practice today, have another practice tomorrow and then we’ll see, but feeling good.”
Donald, who first announced his retirement in March 2024, has unretired on Aug. 30.
He was not with the Rams’ traveling squad for the team’s Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, per ESPN.
On Friday, wide receiver Puka Nacua did not practice due to a hip injury. Nacua, who hauled in five passes for 74 yards in Week 1, was not on the injury report on Thursday.
On Thursday, Rams head coach Sean McVay noted that Donald would go through the week of practice but expressed his hope that the defensive tackle would be able to play on “Monday Night Football.” Donald on Friday said that he was able to participate in team drills for two consecutive days and that he feels good.
“We can have a conversation, figure it out, but I’m feeling really good,” Donald said. “I feel a lot better now that I got more practice under my belt instead of one.”
According to Donald, he’s not sure how his snap count will be like when he finally plays but believes that the coaches have a “good game plan.”
“It’s a long year, long season,” Donald said. “Like I said, we got a lot of good football players out here. So however, my game plan, however it’s going to be, I’m going to go out there and play hard. And then when I need a break, tap out, let the next guy go out there, eat and I’ll be right back. … Whatever that role is, I’m ready for it. I’m excited about it.”
Playing Monday against the Giants will mark 981 days since he last played in the NFL.
