Aaron Donald's Week 5 status for Rams vs. Bills: injury update and analysis

The Los Angeles Rams' initial Week 5 injury report did nothing to calm anxious fans, but by Saturday's final edition, only safety Quentin Lake remained questionable. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald is among those initially listed who will suit up against the Buffalo Bills.

And LA's defense will need him.

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has not had the same cast of characters in consecutive weeks this season. The Rams have pushed the next-man-up mantra to the breaking point. With multiple starters sitting out due to early-season injuries, the disruption has affected coaches' ability to instill continuity and consistency. This team has to start healing.

And perhaps they finally are. On defense, cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder) and Donald (back soreness) will both be back in Week 5. Safety Kam Kinchens returned in Week 4, and the secondary smothered the Philadelphia Eagles' passing attack.

Perhaps Donald's return can have a similar effect on the Buffalo Bills' line of scrimmage.

Aaron Donald's return gives Rams defense a better chance in Week 5

The 3-1 Bills are no slouches. It's nearly impossible to bottle up that offense because everyone plays his role to near perfection. We laid out what the defense must do to give LA a chance of winning on the road. But it's far easier to list what the defense needs to do than to actually do it.

The Bills can run or pass. They can dominate and control the clock. The main key to shutting them down is to zerg the ball carrier with a swift and physical defense. And Donald checks all the boxes in that type of game plan.

Shula's defense was the difference maker in Week 4. But the Bills' offense is far more opportunistic and accomplished than the Eagles'. Any reinforcements are welcome. And since Donald was never played on IR, LA needn't make any corresponding roster moves to get him back on the field.

As with edge rusher Myles Garrett, fans are still waiting for Donald's huge game. So far in two contests he has played 68 defensive snaps and recorded four tackles, a tackle for loss, and one pressure.

Maybe this will be Donald's 'breakout.' The Bills have to worry about edge rusher Byron Young, who had a huge game against the Eagles. Donald has already been double-teamed in his return, but maybe Young, defensive tackle Kobie Turner, and other can force Buffalo to reroute blockers away from him.

The Pittsburgh native will be ready. Let's hope he shows up big.

As always, thanks for reading.

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