Los Angeles defensive end Aaron Donald won’t play for the Rams against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday because of a sore back. Donald missed practice all week and coach Sean McVay officially listed him as out on Friday. Since returning from a two-year retirement, the three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year has recorded four tackles, one tackle for loss and one QB hit across two games. He sat out the season opener in Australia after finalizing a deal for the 2026 season in late August, then appeared in the Rams’ next two contests against the Giants and Broncos.
Wide receiver Puka Nacua is back after a two-game absence caused by a hip and groin issue. He had five catches for 74 yards in the season opener against the 49ers but hurt himself in practice on Sept. 17 and missed the games in New York and Denver. Nacua described discomfort around his hip that limited his change-of-direction and caused pain and restricted movement.
The Rams (1-2) also ruled out tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder); tight end Colby Parkinson is listed as questionable with knee and shoulder concerns. McVay added that practice-squad wideout Alex Bachman will likely be elevated to help on special teams after returner Xavier Smith was waived Friday.
On the Eagles’ side, ESPN sources say top receiver DeVonta Smith is expected to miss Sunday’s game due to a hamstring problem that kept him out of practice this week. Smith played the first three games of the season, highlighted by a 117-yard, 10-catch, one-touchdown performance in the Week 2 win over the Titans.
Fan take: Donald’s absence is a major blow to the Rams’ pass rush and could significantly alter how their defense matches up with Philly, making the matchup more favorable to the Eagles’ offense. Meanwhile, Nacua’s return is a welcome boost for L.A.’s passing attack and highlights how quickly injuries can swing the balance of a divisional tilt.
Source: www.foxsports.com
