Aaron Donald will help Rams defense no matter what version of himself he is

Defensive lineman Aaron Donald plans to make his 2026 Los Angeles Rams debut on Monday against the Giants, but he also knows the score. 

After a two-year hiatus, teams will view him differently, albeit still with trepidation. Specifically, it would be unrealistic to expect Donald to command double-teams in his first game back.

He jokingly acknowledged as much himself speaking to the media on Friday:

"You think they going to double-triple-team me not playing for two years? They ain't worried about me, man. They don't need to be worried about me. They don't need to worry about me at all."

You just know Donald would love for opposing teams to take his jesting advice. No double teams needed. No need to even remember he's there or block his path to the quarterback. Wink. 

Aaron Donald will boost Rams defense even in limited role

Donald is well aware that there's more than a grain of truth to his remarks. He's still Aaron Donald - "I feel like myself," he said - but he's also 35 and over 32 months removed from his last game. 

While Rams coaches remain noncommittal on whether Donald will play, it certainly feels likely. Especially after losing Myles Garrett to injured reserve, the defensive front could use whatever Donald can provide.

And that should be of tangible impact. Donald wouldn't suit up if he didn't think he could contribute on par with his high standards. But he's not out here telling Rams fans to expect a version of himself as though he'd never left. 

Of course he can get back to something close to that - doubting Donald is a very bad idea - but it will take time and live reps. The good news is that his teammates up front, like Kobie Turner and Poona Ford, have plenty of experience drawing their own double teams. Donald can ride shotgun and still have a winning influence. 

His presence should also ensure that guys like Turner have more one-on-ones. We still don't know whether Donald will start in place of Braden Fiske, but the Rams wouldn't run him out there if they didn't think he could contribute. Donald would never agree anyway. He has his standards.

If he plays, it will be interesting to see for how many snaps. In his first game back, will the Rams deploy him exclusively on passing downs? How will Donald's return affect playing time for Fiske, Tyler Davis, and Ty Hamilton?

No matter how much time Donald spends on the field, merely having him active on gameday will send a jolt of energy through his teammates and, of course, the SoFi Stadium crowd. How could it not? That atmosphere will be rocking.

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