The Los Angeles Rams were given a major scare on Saturday when Aaron Donald left the game against the Seahawks in visible pain, struggling to breathe normally on the field and sideline. He was unable to return and played less than half the snaps due to a rib injury after Russell Wilson landed on him during a tackle attempt.
Sean McVay didn’t have an update on Donald after the Rams’ 30-20 win, which was somewhat concerning in its own right. But according to NFL Network, the Rams are “hopeful” Donald can play in the divisional round next weekend.
The X-rays on his rib were negative, which is great news, and he even “could’ve gone back in the game.” So his outlook is good for next week.
The @NFLGameDay Notebook with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: Injury updates on WFT’s Chase Young and #Bucs RB Ronald Jones; #Rams are “hopeful” that stud DL Aaron Donald will play this week; #Bills OC Brian Daboll is suddenly very busy. pic.twitter.com/4b36IYeWeV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2021
Donald is the Rams’ best player and not having him for the next playoff game would be a huge blow to the defense. Los Angeles is deep along the defensive line, but there’s simply no replacing Donald.
This season, he had a team-high 13.5 sacks and led the league with 98 pressures. He added two sacks against the Seahawks on Saturday.