The Los Angeles Rams could be getting two key defensive reinforcements back at exactly the right time.
Head coach Sean McVay provided encouraging injury updates Monday on defensive lineman Aaron Donald and cornerback Jaylen Watson, expressing optimism that both players could return for the Rams’ Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Both players suffered injuries during Los Angeles’ Week 3 Sunday Night Football loss to the Denver Broncos.
Watson exited the Denver game with a shoulder injury that was later identified as a dislocated shoulder. The starting cornerback was subsequently ruled out for Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, giving him an additional week to recover. Watson had already recorded 10 tackles and three passes defensed through the first three games before the injury.
McVay is hopeful Watson can return to practice this week, with the expectation that he could be ready to play if his shoulder responds well. The Rams are particularly motivated to get him back with Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills’ talented passing attack coming to SoFi Stadium for Monday Night Football.
Donald, meanwhile, dealt with back soreness following the Denver game. Rather than risk aggravating the issue, the Rams held the future Hall of Famer out of their Week 4 victory over Philadelphia as a precaution. McVay made it clear that Donald was willing to play, but the organization ultimately decided protecting him from further injury was more important than putting him on the field at less than full strength.
That decision appears to have paid off. McVay said Monday that Donald’s return is “trending” in the right direction, while the team remains hopeful about Watson’s availability as well.
Getting both players back would be a major boost for a Rams defense preparing for one of its toughest challenges of the season. Donald’s presence can change the game at the line of scrimmage, while Watson’s return would strengthen a secondary that will have its hands full with Allen and Buffalo’s receiving weapons.
For now, the Rams will take a cautious approach. But after sitting out Week 4, both Donald and Watson appear to be trending toward a return when Los Angeles needs them most.
