Aaron Donald Returns to Help Rams Defeat Giants 28-6

Aaron Donald returned to the Los Angeles Rams' lineup on Monday night, playing two-thirds of the defensive snaps in the first half of the team's 28-6 victory over the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium. He recorded three tackles, including a decisive three-yard loss on third-and-2 that helped the Rams maintain a 14-3 lead at halftime. Donald’s workload was reduced in the second half as the Rams built a comfortable margin.

"It felt good to get that first game under my belt in two years, and it feels good we got a win," Donald told ESPN's Laura Rutledge after the game.

Head coach Sean McVay praised Donald’s impact, noting the heightened energy on the field.

"You get an opportunity to watch what I do, follow my lead, and that's what this guy does. I love him," McVay said.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford highlighted Donald’s enthusiastic entrance.

"He came in, ran in, and everyone was energized. It was a great moment to see," Stafford said.

The Rams' defense performed strongly without fellow star Myles Garrett, limiting the Giants to 182 total yards and forcing an interception against backup quarterback Jameis Winston. The win marked the Rams' first game after signing Donald to a one-year, $20 million contract following his retirement in 2024. Donald, a former first-round pick in 2014, has amassed 111 career sacks and was a key contributor to the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl run.