The Rams’ revamped defensive front will be shorthanded Sunday when Los Angeles faces the Philadelphia Eagles without its two most notable offseason additions.
Myles Garrett remains on injured reserve after sustaining an injury during Week 1 in Australia. Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement in late August to rejoin the Rams, will also be sidelined Sunday. Donald did not travel with the team for the season opener because, according to coach Sean McVay, he had not yet progressed far enough in his ramp-up process.
Donald’s latest setback is notable because he is now dealing with what the team described as back issues. According to McVay, Donald “felt some soreness” after last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos.
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McVay said the Rams had a responsibility to protect Donald, regardless of his desire to play.
“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. He would do it and he could probably go be productive, but part of our job is to protect these tough dudes like him from themselves.”
“… 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.”
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On the other side of the ball, the Rams will welcome back a key offensive weapon Sunday, with wide receiver Puka Nacua set to return after sitting out the past two games with a hip injury.
McVay said Nacua “looked sharp” during practice this week, particularly through the session’s more physically demanding portions.
Nacua finished Week 1 with five receptions for 74 yards. Los Angeles, a pre-season Super Bowl odds-on favorite, enters Week 4 at 1-2.
