Aaron Donald, one of the league’s most dominant forces, is officially back on the field this Monday, September 21, 2026, after last playing way back on January 14, 2024, when his Rams fell to the Lions in the divisional round. “It’s go time,” Donald told Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, signaling his highly anticipated return to NFL action.
The Return, The Rotation, And a Missing Star
This isn’t some slow-roll comeback, either. Glazer reported that Donald will start the game and play in a rotation for the Rams. His presence is a huge shot in the arm for the LA defense, especially with a key player out. Myles Garrett, whose initial arrival apparently helped spark Donald’s unretirement, will miss Monday night’s contest, and at least three more after that, following arthroscopic knee surgery. Donald stepping back onto the field is a massive boost for a Rams team facing an immediate challenge, especially with a divisional foe already looking strong.
Early Season Stakes for the NFC West
The Rams are staring down an 0-2 start if they don’t get it together, and Donald’s return could be just what they need against the 1-0 Giants. New York’s offense was methodical, productive, and ultimately successful in a 28-20 win over the Cowboys last Sunday night. That’s a tough matchup right out of the gate for the newly returned Donald and his squad.
Meanwhile, the rest of the NFC West isn’t waiting around. The 49ers are set to face the Dolphins on Sunday, and our very own Seattle Seahawks are traveling to Arizona, both with a chance to move to a strong 2-0. The early season record always matters, and with teams already looking to stake their claim, every game is a battle. The Hawks are aiming for that 2-0 start against Arizona, and we know our guys will be giving it everything they’ve got out there for the Emerald City!
It’s an intense Monday night ahead for Donald’s return, and the rest of the NFC West landscape is already shaping up to be a wild ride. Our Hawks are on the road to keep that early momentum rolling against Arizona, and we’ll be watching every snap!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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