Aaron Donald is officially OUT for the Rams’ Week 4 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, making it his second missed game already this season. While they’re getting Puka Nacua back, the idea of a “superteam” in Los Angeles is officially no more. This team just isn’t playing like anyone envisioned, and with Donald sidelined yet again, they’ve got to figure things out fast.
Donald’s Rocky Return Has Fans Scratching Their Heads
Remember all that hype when Aaron Donald unretired this offseason? He came back to play for his former team after stepping away in 2023, and everyone was buzzing about what that meant for the Rams. Well, his return has been anything but smooth. He sat out the opener when the Rams lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, and now he’s missing Week 4. That’s two games missed, just like that.
Head coach Sean McVay confirmed Donald felt soreness in his back after their Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos. McVay’s quote says it all: “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.” You gotta wonder, though. This injury supposedly came out of nowhere, not seeming serious just a few days ago. Donald’s a legend, no doubt about it: a Super Bowl win, eight first-team All-Pro nods, 10 Pro Bowl selections, 547 tackles, 111 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries over 11 seasons. He’s 35, and when he’s healthy, he’s an offense’s absolute worst nightmare. But “when he’s healthy” is the operative phrase here. On top of that, tight end Terrance Ferguson is also out with an ankle injury he picked up twice against the Broncos, and Jaylen Watson is sidelined, too.
Puka Nacua Returns But Can He Save the Season?
So, the good news is Puka Nacua is expected back in the fold this Sunday. McVay even discussed Nacua’s Week 4 practice reps and the keys to beating the Eagles. That’s a huge boost, no question. But one player, even Nacua, can’t fix everything when a team’s foundation is struggling like this. The Rams need to find a way to overcome these injuries, with or without Donald.
The talk of a “superteam” is gone because this team just isn’t playing the way everyone expected before the season started. They envisioned a squad of star players all clicking together, and it just hasn’t materialized. There’s still time in the NFL season, but the clock is always ticking. The Rams need to get healthy, and they need to win even faster, if they want any shot at making the postseason. This Week 4 matchup against the Eagles? It’s not just another game, it’s a gut-check for a team trying to find its identity.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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