Rams lose Aaron Donald to back soreness for Eagles game, Sean McVay says he’s protecting star 'from himself'

Aaron Donald’s instant impact, Rams Super Bowl favorites, Are they being overhyped? | FTF

Aaron Donald has returned to the Los Angeles Rams after a short retirement. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes, and Greg Jennings ask if he will make an instant impact, and if the Rams being Super Bowl favorites is a cause for concern. Plus, Howie Long joins to discuss the expectations on Aaron Donald in his return to the Los Angeles Rams, and if Fernando Mendoza is ready to start for the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Rams' revamped defensive front will be shorthanded Sunday when Los Angeles faces the Philadelphia Eagles without its two most notable offseason additions.

Myles Garrett remains on injured reserve after sustaining an injury during Week 1 in Australia. Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement in late August to rejoin the Rams, will also be sidelined Sunday. Donald did not travel with the team for the season opener because, according to coach Sean McVay, he had not yet progressed far enough in his ramp-up process.

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Donald's latest setback is notable because he is now dealing with what the team described as back issues. According to McVay, Donald "felt some soreness" after last week's loss to the Denver Broncos.

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Aaron Donald (99) of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before an NFL game against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sept. 21, 2026. (Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

McVay said the Rams had a responsibility to protect Donald, regardless of his desire to play.

"I think our job as coaches is [to] put our players in positions to have successful outcomes," McVay said. "He's as tough as it gets, just not feeling good enough. And I think it would be irresponsible on my part — and obviously talking with [team doctor] Reggie [Scott] — to ask him. He would do it and he could probably go be productive, but part of our job is to protect these tough dudes like him from themselves."

"... He's working as hard as he can to get himself feeling as good as possible. And we're hopeful and optimistic that good days are ahead."

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Aaron Donald (99) of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sept. 21, 2026. (Harry How/Getty Images)

On the other side of the ball, the Rams will welcome back a key offensive weapon Sunday, with wide receiver Puka Nacua set to return after sitting out the past two games with a hip injury.

McVay said Nacua "looked sharp" during practice this week, particularly through the session’s more physically demanding portions.

Puka Nacua (12) of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a catch during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Dec. 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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Nacua finished Week 1 with five receptions for 74 yards. Los Angeles, a pre-season Super Bowl odds-on favorite, enters Week 4 at 1-2.