Aaron Donald reportedly set for limited Rams return against Giants
Aaron Donald is reportedly expected to play 20 to 30 snaps as the Rams host the Giants on Monday Night Football.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Aaron Donald’s Rams return is reportedly set for Monday night, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport saying the veteran defensive lineman is expected to play about 20 to 30 snaps against the New York Giants. The Week 2 game is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium, airing on ESPN and ABC.
Donald last played during the 2023 season, according to Athlon Sports’ report, which said he signed a one-year, $20 million deal on Aug. 30 to rejoin Los Angeles after retirement. The 35-year-old is expected to work on a pitch count, rather than take his usual full-time role, in his first game back.
The timing matters for a Rams defense trying to recover from a rough opener. Los Angeles lost 27-7 to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, allowing 174 rushing yards, producing no sacks and recording two quarterback hits, according to the New York Post.
The Rams will also be without Myles Garrett, who is on injured reserve after a knee procedure, leaving Donald’s reported return as a timely boost for a front facing a Giants offense that made a fast start.
How many snaps will Aaron Donald play against the Giants?
Rapoport reported that Donald is expected to play roughly 20 to 30 snaps. That is a reported pregame plan, not an official final participation announcement, and how much he plays will only be known once the game is underway.
Donald brings a long résumé into the return. Athlon Sports reported that he has 111 career sacks in 154 games with the Rams and is an eight-time first-team All-Pro.
Giants bring a ground-game test
New York arrives after beating Dallas behind an offense that ran 37 times for 165 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, while the Giants held the ball for 36 minutes and 40 seconds, CBS Sports reported.
The key assignment could fall to rookie lineman Francis Mauigoa when Donald is on the field. Mauigoa did not allow a pressure across 36 pass-blocking snaps in his NFL debut, according to Next Gen Stats data cited by the New York Post.
- Run defense: The Rams must improve after San Francisco’s 174-yard rushing performance.
- Third down: The Giants converted 9 of 11 third downs against Dallas, their best single-game rate since at least 1991, according to ESPN Stats & Info data cited by the Rams.
- Middle of the field: Tight end Isaiah Likely had eight catches, 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, according to the Rams’ preview.
Rams receiver Puka Nacua also remains a pregame question. Athlon Sports reported that he missed the final two practices of the week with a hip injury and was considered a game-time decision.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.