There's rising optimism emerging from the Los Angeles Rams about the possibility that Aaron Donald will make his return to the field on Monday night. With the New York Giants on the horizon, Donald's return could help lessen the blow of the team losing Myles Garrett to injury.
If Donald is still at his All-Pro best and Garrett remains set to return this year, the championship dreams for the Rams could be back on. On Wednesday, head coach Sean McVay provided an update to reports that there's hope Donald will play this week.
TheRams.com's Stu Jackson reports that McVay said the three-time Defensive Player of the Year wants to play and is waiting to ensure his body is ready to go.
McVay on Aaron Donald: "He's obviously chomping at the bit" to play.
"What we are hopeful is, is that we'll have some good work today and tomorrow, and then hopefully he's feeling good enough. And if he says he's ready to go, then we'll be excited to see him rock." https://t.co/h7QNeZ2Ff3
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) September 17, 2026
The star defender is practicing and has an extra day to get ready, as the Rams don't play until Monday. The team is treating this situation with a one-day-at-a-time mentality, and according to the California Post's Michael J. Duarte, the decision is completely up to Donald.
Sean McVay said Aaron Donald is still day-to-day on whether he will play on MNF: “It’s really up to him and how he feels.”
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) September 17, 2026
The Rams are expected to continue their dialogue with Donald, preparing for the possibility of taking on New York with or without him.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams hopeful Aaron Donald will play Monday: 'It's really up to him'
