Add The California Post on Google Aaron Donald’s comeback is about to move from the practice field to the real thing.
The Rams defensive lineman said he will play Monday night against the Giants at SoFi Stadium, setting the stage for his first regular-season appearance after two seasons away from football.
“That is the plan,” he said after practice.
His return gives the Rams a significant reinforcement as they try to recover from a 27-7 season-opening loss to the 49ers in Australia.
It also arrives with their defensive front facing unexpected uncertainty after Myles Garrett underwent knee surgery and headed to injured reserve.
Donald cannot single-handedly resolve everything that went wrong in Melbourne. But his availability gives the Rams another potential source of the disruption missing from their opener.
The Rams finished that game without a sack and allowed 174 rushing yards, struggling to impose themselves against a San Francisco offense that repeatedly sustained drives.
Now comes the opportunity to see how much Donald can help change that.
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) is seen during practice at the Rams Practice Facility in Woodland Hills, California, Sunday, August 30, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The immediate question shifts from whether he will play to how much — and how effectively.
At 35, following an extended absence from competition, Donald faces a transition that even his extraordinary résumé cannot eliminate. Practice offers preparation. Monday will provide a different measurement against an opponent determined to limit his impact.
The Rams do not need every snap to come from Donald for his return to matter. Pressure in a critical passing situation or penetration that disrupts an early-down run could help change a possession.
His presence also gives the Giants another player to account for when setting protections.
For a team looking to move beyond a disappointing opener, that creates something tangible to anticipate.
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) during practice at the Rams Practice Facility, Sunday, August 30, 2026, in Woodland Hills, California. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The comeback has already generated attention.
Monday night will begin answering the more important question: what Donald can still deliver, and how much his return can help a defense searching for answers.
