Aaron Donald said Friday that he plans to play on Monday night when the Los Angeles Rams host the New York Giants, giving the Giants the interior problem they have been preparing for all week.
“That’s the plan,” Donald told reporters. "Practice today, have another practice tomorrow and then we'll see, but feeling good."
Donald retired in March 2024, returned on August 30 and sat out the Rams’ Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne. If he plays at SoFi Stadium, it will be 981 days since his last NFL snap.
Giants coach John Harbaugh is treating that possibility as a given. He told reporters the Giants expect Donald to play like Aaron Donald: A game-wrecking interior presence, penetrating and active, capable of wrecking a play in the run
or the pass. New York is planning as if he will be out there.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart called Donald one of the most dominant players he has watched and said competing against him will be a real test. Running back Cam Skattebo, coming off 18 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s win over Dallas, was more direct.
“I mean, he’s had a couple years off and I’m sure he’s ready to go and excited to play. But he's, he's still got to play football. He hasn't practiced a ton. He hasn't played in a game yet or played a ton," Skattebo told reporters. "So, I mean, if it is his first game, then he's got to be ready for it just like we do.
"I'm excited to play against him. He's one of the best to ever do it. It’s going to be fun. It's going to be a good challenge for the guys up front. It's going to be a good challenge. If I have to meet him in the hole on third-and-1, then so be it. I’ve got to get one yard. But he's a good player. He's one of the best to ever do it. So, all respect to him.”
Donald said he does not know what his snap count will look like and is ready for whatever role the Rams give him. The first look at how much the 35-year-old has left after two years away will fall on the Giants’ offensive line and the backs behind it.
"I feel a lot better now that I got more practice under my belt instead of one," he said.
Meanwhile, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua missed Friday’s practice with a hip injury after catching five passes for 74 yards in Week 1, a secondary item the Giants will watch as they finish preparations for Monday Night Football.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald plans to play vs. New York Giants
