The Los Angeles Rams will be without their star defensive tackle Aaron Donald on Sunday when they face the Philadelphia Eagles. Donald, who rejoined the team in late August after coming out of retirement, had not traveled with the team for the season opener due to a slow ramp-up process. However, he was expected to play this week, but has now been sidelined with back issues.
According to head coach Sean McVay, Donald felt some soreness after last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. McVay stated that the team's responsibility is to protect their players, even if it means keeping them out of games. "I think our job as coaches is to put our players in positions to have successful outcomes," McVay said. "He's as tough as it gets, just not feeling good enough. And I think it would be irresponsible on my part — and obviously talking with [team doctor] Reggie [Scott] — to ask him."
Donald's absence is a notable one, as he is one of the team's most notable offseason additions. He will be joined on the sidelines by Myles Garrett, who remains on injured reserve after sustaining an injury during Week 1 in Australia. The Rams will also be welcoming back wide receiver Puka Nacua, who sat out the past two games with a hip injury. McVay said Nacua "looked sharp" during practice this week and is expected to contribute on Sunday.
The Rams enter Week 4 at 1-2, and will be looking to bounce back from their losses. McVay expressed optimism about Donald's prospects for returning to the field soon, saying "He's working as hard as he can to get himself feeling as good as possible. And we're hopeful and optimistic that good days are ahead."
The Rams' revamped defensive front will be tested without Donald, who is one of the team's most dominant players. The team will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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