The Los Angeles Rams enter what might be their biggest game of the season so far against the Buffalo Bills tonight. Luckily, they'll have their defensive centerpiece on the field for "Monday Night Football" on Oct. 12.
Aaron Donald, who missed Week 4's 24-20 thriller over the Philadelphia Eagles with back soreness, is set to return, and he's not the only other player the Rams will be getting back. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, tight end Colby Parkinson and cornerback Jaylen Watson are also expected to suit up, giving LA a clean bill of health for Week 5.
"Aaron Donald is gonna be back for the Rams tonight.. Jaylen Watson and Colby Parkinson will also be back.. The one injury question in this game is DJ Moore for the Buffalo Bills" ~ @AdamSchefter
#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/r8O0vNUhrG
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 12, 2026
The 35-year-old came out of a two-year retirement and re-joined the Rams on a one-year, $20 million contract as they push for another Super Bowl on their home field this season. He missed the season opener in Melbourne, Australia to work on his conditioning and made his debut the following week at home against the New York Giants.
In the two games he's played, the four-time All-Pro has four tackles, a tackle for loss and a QB hit but is still in search of his first sack.
Donald's presence alone is huge for the Rams' defensive line, especially as it squares off against a former NFL MVP in Josh Allen. He'll line up alongside Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner on Monday, with Myles Garrett waiting in the wings for a potential return in Week 6.
Is Aaron Donald playing tonight vs the Bills?
Yes, Donald is expected to play against the Bills in Week 5 after missing a week with back soreness. He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday but was upgraded to full on Friday before taking a scheduled day off on Saturday.
Crucially, he was left off the Rams' final injury report on Saturday.
"Aaron was a DNP, but he's good," McVay told reporters at the time. "He'll be good to go for the game, no status there."
Rams D-Line depth chart
Here's the unofficial depth chart for the Rams defensive line:
- OLB: Byron Young, Wesley Bailey
- DE: Aaron Donald, Braden Fiske
- NT: Poona Ford, Ty Hamilton
- DE: Kobie Turner, Tyler Davis
- OLB: Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson
Myles Garrett is not listed on the depth chart to due his IR designation.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Aaron Donald playing tonight? Latest injury update on Rams star
