Aaron Donald could be asked to play a larger role for the Los Angeles Rams after Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Garrett is expected to miss at least four weeks.
Donald returned to the Rams after two years away from the NFL and was initially viewed as a rotational addition. The team had acquired Garrett during the offseason and built its defensive front around players including Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Byron Young.
Garrett’s absence was felt when the Rams struggled to create consistent pressure against the 49ers. Turner and Young remain capable of making plays, but opposing offenses can now direct more attention toward them instead of accounting for Garrett.
The Rams also traded away Jared Verse when they acquired Garrett. Although Verse had a limited impact in his Cleveland Browns debut, he had been one of the Rams’ notable pass-rush players.
Donald could potentially make his Rams return in Week 2 against the New York Giants. Coach Sean McVay said he expects Donald to perform at the level he showed before retiring, but the team had planned to manage his workload through a rotation. It is not yet clear whether Donald can handle a heavier role after his two-year absence.
