5 storylines to the Rams Colts matchup in the Coliseum

Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald won’t be in uniform on Sunday. Despite reporting to the team facility on Saturday, he will not be on the field against the Colts. GM Les Snead and the players’ representatives still need to find a pathway to get a re-negotiated deal done, keeping LA’s brightest star a part of the organization for the foreseeable future.

How it affects the team not having him in the lineup remains to be seen.

I’ve been on the record that Donald won’t necessarily win any games directly for LA, but he can do a lot to keep the Rams in a few, and give Goff and the offense a chance for a ‘W’.

Nonetheless, the impact of him not on the field is an unknown factor. Add the impact of Dominique Easley out for the season, and new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has his hands full beginning Week 1. It’s a defense thin on the depth side, and eventually, the Rams will feel that.

We’ll also see how that translates in the next couple of games. Donald not on the field will be noticed by fans and felt by his teammates. As the games begin to count, we’ll begin to know just how much.

The opener against Indianapolis will be the first test for a team down their only bonafide star player. hopefully, they get him ready to be on the field soon.