Aaron Donald Ruled Out as Injuries Continue to Derail Rams’ Season

The Los Angeles Rams built their defense around the idea of Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett terrorizing opposing quarterbacks together. Four weeks into the season, keeping both superstars on the field has proven to be the bigger challenge.

Donald has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles as he continues to deal with a back injury. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year missed practice throughout the week after experiencing back soreness following Los Angeles’ 30-26 loss to Denver.

His absence comes at an especially difficult time for a Rams team already without Garrett, leaving Los Angeles without the two players expected to anchor one of the NFL’s most imposing defensive fronts.

Garrett remains on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on the knee that bothered him throughout training camp and into the season opener. The Rams initially hoped the injury could be managed, but surgery ultimately became necessary. He is expected to miss approximately six weeks, with a possible return in November if his recovery remains on schedule. (Reuters)

It has created a frustrating reality for Los Angeles.

The Rams made a blockbuster move to acquire Garrett from Cleveland during the offseason, pairing the reigning Defensive Player of the Year with Donald after the future Hall of Famer ended his two-year retirement. On paper, it gave Los Angeles a defensive combination capable of changing games by itself.

Instead, the Rams are 1-2 and still waiting to see what that defense can become at full strength.

Los Angeles has already endured a 27-7 season-opening loss to San Francisco and then watched a 16-0 halftime lead disappear in last week’s 30-26 loss to Denver. (FOX Sports) Now the Rams head to Philadelphia without either Donald or Garrett against an Eagles team capable of putting enormous pressure on a depleted defensive front.

There are still 14 games remaining, and Garrett’s eventual return could dramatically change the outlook of the defense. Donald’s back injury also does not necessarily suggest a long-term absence.

But the margin for error is getting smaller.

The Rams entered 2026 with legitimate championship expectations and made aggressive moves to build a roster capable of reaching February. Instead, one month into the season, injuries have kept some of their biggest additions and most important players off the field.

Sunday in Philadelphia now becomes another test of how long Los Angeles can weather those absences before a slow start turns into something much more difficult to overcome.