The Los Angeles Rams look to pick up their second win of the season this week when they travel to play the Philadelphia Eagles. However, one pivotal player has been missing from action.
As they prepare for this game, star defender Aaron Donald has been absent from the practice field. Donald missed practice on Wednesday with a back issue. Head coach Sean McVay was asked if that put Donald at risk of not playing.
“We’re just taking it a day at a time," said McVay on Wednesday. "I wouldn't want to say anything of that nature yet. I think the back is a little bit sore. He’s as tough as it gets. I'll continue to have updates as the week goes.”
On Thursday, Los Angeles Times' Gary Kleinreports that Donald wasn't participating in the open portion of practice,
setting him up to miss practice this week if the Rams continue to follow their weekly schedule with the legend.
Aaron Donald (back) was not on the field Thursday for portion of practice open to reporters. Friday is typically a rest day for Donald. McVay will address Donald’s status for Eagles game on Friday.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) October 1, 2026
His game status will not be known until McVay addresses the media on Friday. The team is already planning to be without cornerback Jaylen Watson for the contest, and with Saquon Barkley on the horizon, the Rams cannot afford to have any more absences from their defense.
Donald has played in two games so far, forcing opposing offenses to structure their protection plans around the All-Pro, which has allowed the rest of the defense to flourish when they're at full strength.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Aaron Donald misses 2nd straight practice with back injury
