Aaron Donald Will Play Monday Night Against Giants
The 35-year-old defensive tackle is set to return to the Rams lineup following a mid-week practice.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
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Aaron Donald plans to return to the field for the Los Angeles Rams during their Monday night game on September 21, 2026. The defensive tackle began considering a comeback after the team acquired Myles Garrett.
Why it matters
Donald brings significant experience to the Rams defense after playing 10 seasons with the franchise. His return provides a critical boost while teammate Myles Garrett remains sidelined due to injury.
Donald is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner who spent 10 seasons with the Rams before initially retiring. His return follows a Week 1 loss in Australia, while new teammate Myles Garrett is on injured reserve for at least four weeks.
The players
Aaron Donald
He is a veteran defensive tackle who played 10 seasons with the Rams and earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Myles Garrett
He is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year who was acquired by the Rams but remains on injured reserve.
The details
After announcing his retirement following the 2023 season, Donald participated in team practices throughout the week and expects to finish his final session on Friday. He did not travel with the team to Australia for the season opener but is now cleared to play against the Giants.
Timeline
2017, 2018, and 2020: Donald won NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
2023 season: Donald announced his retirement.
Week 1: The Rams lost to the 49ers in Australia.
September 2026: Donald practiced with the Rams.
September 21, 2026: Donald is scheduled to play on Monday night.
Season Trajectory
This return significantly alters the Rams defensive outlook and compensates for the loss of Myles Garrett during his injured reserve stint. The move immediately bolsters the team as they look to recover from their Week 1 loss and secure a win against the Giants.
Donald's presence impacts the Rams defensive rotation and significantly alters the defensive line efficiency against the Giants. Fantasy managers should monitor his participation status to adjust expectations for the Rams defensive unit's sack potential.
The takeaway
The return of a decorated veteran can fundamentally shift a team's defensive capabilities mid-season. Readers should note that roster stability is rarely guaranteed in professional sports.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments on the Football page.
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Would you attend a game specifically to see a star player returning from retirement?
