Rams Rule Out Donald for Eagles; Nacua Returns
The Los Angeles Rams will play without defensive tackle Aaron Donald against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a back injury, while wide receiver Puka Nacua is cleared to return after missing two games. Coach Sean McVay prioritized protecting Donald, who has not recorded a sack since his return from retirement. The Rams aim to avoid a 1-3 start in a matchup they have lost four times in a row.
Key points
- Aaron Donald is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles with a back injury that flared after the loss to the Denver Broncos.
- Puka Nacua is active for the Eagles game after practicing fully this week, ending a two-game absence due to hip and groin issues.
- Cornerback Jaylen Watson and tight end Terrance Ferguson are also ruled out with shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively.
- The Rams will rely on Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske for interior pressure in Donald's absence, while Byron Young and others handle edge pressure.
- Los Angeles seeks to reach 2-2 and avoid a 1-3 start, having lost their last four meetings against Philadelphia.
Background
Donald returned from a two-year retirement in late August, missing the season opener in Australia. He played limited snaps against the Giants and Broncos, recording four tackles but no sacks. Nacua had been limited or inactive for the past two weeks due to hip and groin tightness, forcing the Rams to lean on Davante Adams, who has 332 receiving yards in that span.
How outlets are covering it
NBC Sports and USA Today confirmed Donald's absence and Nacua's return, with USA Today highlighting the Rams' four-game losing streak against Philadelphia. NFL.com provided detailed quotes from McVay, emphasizing the decision to protect Donald from himself and noting Nacua's strong practice performance. ESPN's source was unavailable, so no additional perspective was synthesized from that outlet.
Why it matters
Donald's absence weakens the Rams' defensive line, especially with Myles Garrett on injured reserve. Nacua's return boosts the offense, but the Rams face a tough road test against a team they have struggled with recently. A loss could put them in a 1-3 hole before hosting the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.
What to watch
The Rams will play the Eagles on Sunday, aiming for their second win of the season. Donald's recovery timeline is uncertain, but McVay expressed optimism about his return. Nacua's snap count will be monitored to ensure he is fully conditioned for the game.
- Aaron Donald remains out of practice; Puka Nacua still limited NBC Sports
- Aaron Donald out, Puka Nacua to play in Rams' game vs. Eagles ESPN
- Aaron Donald injury update has Rams in tough spot against Eagles usatoday.com
- Puka Nacua to play, Aaron Donald out for Rams' matchup with Eagles NFL.com
- Rams rule out Aaron Donald, Jaylen Watson in W4 NBC Sports
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