NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is set to face Bills quarterback Josh Allen on Monday Night Football, a week after back soreness kept the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year out of a win over Philadelphia.
Donald was a full participant Friday after a limited session Thursday. He said he plans to play and reported “no setbacks,” rapping his knuckles on the podium. “I feel good,” Donald said. “I feel a lot better than what I was.”
Kickoff between the Bills and Rams is set for 8:15 p.m. ET Monday at SoFi Stadium on ESPN.
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Aaron Donald back injury timeline
Aaron Donald reveals major injury update before Rams face Josh Allen Monday night
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) before a game against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The 35-year-old first landed on the injury report before Week 4, when head coach Sean McVay said Donald’s back was sore. Donald missed practice Wednesday through Friday, and the Rams ruled him out against the Eagles.
McVay said Monday a Week 5 return was “the hope.” “I don’t want to pigeonhole, but yeah, that’s the direction that it looks like it’s trending in,” McVay said.
The injury isn’t considered long-term. Los Angeles releases its final injury designations Saturday, and cornerback Jaylen Watson, who missed Week 4 with a dislocated shoulder, is also working toward a return Monday.
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How does Donald’s return affect Buffalo?
Donald skipped the Week 1 opener in Melbourne, Australia, while he ramped up after ending his retirement Aug. 30 on a one-year, $20 million contract. In two games since, the eight-time first-team All-Pro has four tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit but no sacks across 68 defensive snaps.
Buffalo (3-1) arrives with Allen accounting for 13 total touchdowns through four games. He has thrown for 1,039 yards with three interceptions and added 118 rushing yards. However, wide receiver DJ Moore aggravated a shoulder injury against New England in Week 4, so the Bills’ receiver group could be thinner.
Donald’s value Monday comes from collapsing the pocket up the middle, which could take away Allen’s interior escape lanes before he can extend plays. The Rams’ defense managed without him last week, limiting Philadelphia to 0-for-12 on third down in a 24-20 comeback win. However, it’s debatable how much of that performance was due to the Eagles’ mistakes.
Rams defensive line without Myles Garrett
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) plays defense against the San Francisco 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Donald’s return carries extra weight because the Rams are still without defensive end Myles Garrett. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year, acquired from Cleveland in June, is on injured reserve after knee surgery for an injury he suffered in Week 1. He’s expected back in Week 6 against Arizona or Week 7 against Las Vegas.
Until then, Donald rejoins a front that includes defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske and outside linebacker Byron Young. The Rams (2-2) sit No. 5 in my latest NFC power rankings, and a win over Buffalo would move them above .500 for the first time this season.
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Matt De Lima
Matt De Lima brings 15+ years of elite sports media experience to the table. From covering the gridiron to the hardwood, this Virginia Tech graduate has established himself as a versatile editor and writer for heavy hitters like Sports Illustrated and DraftKings. A twice-nominated FSWA finalist, Matt combines a digital-first philosophy with an eagle eye for breaking news, consistently delivering the engaging coverage today’s audience demands across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and beyond.
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