Rams' Sean McVay gives big Aaron Donald Week 2 update after Myles Garrett blow

Even before defensive superstar Aaron Donald didn't travel to play for the Los Angeles Rams in what became a stunning 27-7 Week 1 Los Angeles loss to the rival San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, a report indicated that Donald could sit through at least the Rams' Week 2 "Monday Night Football" home game against the New York Giants on Sept. 21. 

That said, the situation presumably changed after it was learned that Rams star pass-rusher Myles Garrett needed arthroscopic surgery for a lingering knee injury and will miss at least the next four games while on injured reserve. However, it sounds like Rams head coach Sean McVay could be without both Donald and Garrett when the Giants come to town. 

Rams haven't made Aaron Donald decision for Week 2 yet?

"We haven’t decided that yet," McVay said about Donald's availability for the Giants game, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "He’s going to continue to work his process, and we’ll see what that looks like."

Donald, 35, still hasn't played a competitive down of NFL football since he retired in March 2024. While it makes sense he wants to be in his best "football shape" before he returns to in-game action, the Rams could use his services on defense as soon as possible. 

ESPN stats show that the 49ers rushed for 174 yards against the Donald-less Rams in Week 1. Meanwhile, San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy passed for 205 yards and three touchdowns. 

What awaits the Rams in Week 2?

On Sunday night, Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-20 Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Dart also rushed for 54 yards on 11 carries in that victory. 

Following the Sunday night contest, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged that his team "did not get enough pressure on" Dart. Having Donald on the field could prevent the Rams from going through something similar during next week's prime-time game, but it sounds like fans will have to wait until later in the week or maybe even until the weekend to learn if the future Hall of Famer will play against Big Blue.