NFL

Aaron Donald injury: 2 big Rams updates revealed

Aaron Donald injury update: the Rams star is out against the Eagles with a sore back, while Puka Nacua returns from a hip injury, Sean McVay said Friday.

Aaron Donald injury: Rams defensive end Aaron Donald at a press conference
Aug 30, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald at press conference at the Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Aaron Donald injury will keep the Rams star out Sunday against the Eagles, while receiver Puka Nacua is set to return after missing two games. Coach Sean McVay announced both moves Friday, according to CBS Sports.

Aaron Donald injury: back soreness sidelines him

Donald is officially out with a sore back and will miss his second game of the season. He felt the soreness after the Rams’ Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday.

“He’s as tough as it gets, just not feeling good enough,” McVay said, per the team’s injury report.

Donald, 35, has played two games since returning from retirement. He has four tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit in that span, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Puka Nacua is back

Nacua is expected to play without an injury designation after missing two games with hip and groin injuries. He got hurt in practice Sept. 17 during change-of-direction work.

McVay said Nacua “looked sharp” in Thursday’s practice, and his snap count remains undetermined. Nacua had five catches for 74 yards in the season opener and 1,715 receiving yards last season.

Other Rams injuries

The Rams also ruled out tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder). Tight end Colby Parkinson (knee/shoulder) is questionable.

Safety Kamren Kinchens (hamstring) is cleared to return.

What’s next

The Rams (1-2) visit the Eagles (2-1) on Sunday at 10 a.m. PDT on FOX. Philadelphia is also dealing with injuries, including DeVonta Smith’s hamstring. For more, read our Rams vs. Eagles preview and McVay’s comments on a late-game call.

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