The Los Angeles Rams head into a difficult Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles with their defensive front already missing one of its biggest pieces. After Week 3 on the road, Los Angeles is set to return to action Sunday in Philadelphia, but the unit will not have its full complement available.
The Rams have already had to navigate the absence of Myles Garrett, who remains on injured reserve following knee surgery. Now, another major name on the defensive line will not be available for the Eagles matchup, creating another challenge for Sean McVay’s defense.
MORE: Myles Garrett injury return timeline could extend Rams star’s absence
Aaron Donald ruled out of Rams’ Week 4 matchup against Eagles
Aaron Donald will miss Sunday’s game against the Eagles because of a back injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday that the veteran defensive tackle has been ruled out after missing both Wednesday and Thursday’s practices.
Schefter wrote on X: “Aaron Donald is out for Sunday’s game vs. the Eagles due to his back injury.”
The Rams defense was expected to lean heavily on Donald after he returned from retirement this season. The 35-year-old has played in the Rams’ last two games after a three-week ramp-up period and was preparing for his first game against Philadelphia since returning to the NFL.
Donald’s absence also comes alongside Garrett’s placement on injured reserve, leaving Los Angeles without the two headline defensive additions it envisioned anchoring its front. Garrett is expected to miss at least four games following knee surgery.
Aaron Donald’s absence leaves Rams’ defensive front shorthanded against Eagles
The Rams will now have to lean more heavily on players such as Kobie Turner and Byron Young against an Eagles offensive line that has been among the league’s stronger pass-blocking units through three games. Philadelphia’s offensive line has posted the NFL’s fourth-best pass-block win rate at 58%, according to ESPN.
Donald had already been carefully managed since his return, playing 68 defensive snaps across his first two appearances. His workload reflected the Rams’ effort to bring him back gradually after two seasons away from football.
Philadelphia will instead face a Rams defensive front without Donald and Garrett, while Los Angeles will need other contributors to generate pressure and contain the Eagles’ offense.
With Donald now ruled out, the Rams’ attention turns to Sunday’s matchup at Lincoln Financial Field, where their reshaped defensive front will face one of their toughest tests of the young season.
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