The Los Angeles Rams were already heading into their Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles down several players, but on Friday, the team confirmed star defender Aaron Donald would miss the matchup. Due to his current status, the team feels uncomfortable playing him.
Head coach Sean McVay spoke about the decision, saying the team wants to protect Donald long-term after he sustained normal wear and tear last week.
“Just has some soreness there [in his back], just working through it," said McVay. "Like what I've always talked to you guys about, I think our job as coaches is to put our players in positions to have successful outcomes. He's as tough as it gets, [but] just not feeling good enough. I think it would be irresponsible on my part,
and obviously talking with [Senior Vice President, Sports Medicine and Performance] Reggie [Scott] to ask him.
"He would do it and he could probably go be productive, but part of our job is to protect these tough dudes like him from themselves and that's what went into the decision. You guys know him, he's working as hard as he can to get himself feeling as good as possible. We're hopeful and optimistic that good days are ahead.”
McVay also stated that Donald's soreness began after their Sunday night game against the Denver Broncos, and his game status is the result of a delayed recovery. McVay would also call Donald a "man's man," making it appear the NFL legend was willing to suit up.
"We have to protect him from himself," said McVay. "This guy will do everything and that much more. He represents everything that's right about… when we've been doing things the way that we want to. I understand the question, but Aaron is certainly an exception and I think we would all probably be in agreement on that.”
McVay would deny that Donald's contract played a factor in their decision to keep him inactive for this week. Donald made his NFL return in Week 2, before playing on a short week in the Mile High City. Los Angeles did add defensive lineman Larrell Murchison to their active roster this week, as Donald joins Jaylen Watson as the defense's major absences.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams protecing Aaron Donald 'from himself' by holding him out
