From NBC Sports · · 1m 30s
Aaron Donald returns, says game felt slower than expected
The Rams defensive star comes back from retirement and adjusts to game speed in his first action since 2023.
In brief
The Rams defensive star comes back from retirement and adjusts to game speed in his first action since 2023. Aaron Donald needs a few games to shake off rust after two years away, but feels confident he'll regain his form quickly. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
Donald returns to the field
Aaron Donald made his first appearance since retiring after the 2023 season, playing 33 of 58 defensive snaps in the Rams' 28-6 win over the Giants on Monday night.
SoFi crowd energizes his return
When Donald was announced as the final defensive starter at SoFi Stadium, the crowd response "kind of amped me up a little bit," he said.
“kind of amped me up a little bit”
Three tackles in his debut
Donald recorded three tackles and one tackle for loss in his first game back, showing he still has the skills that made him a three-time defensive player of the year.
Game felt slower than expected
Donald said the game wasn't as fast as he anticipated, attributing struggles to overrunning plays and not trusting his eyes rather than a lack of ability.
“The game really wasn't as fast as I thought”
Needs time to find his rhythm
Donald compared his current situation to previous comebacks, noting it took a couple games to get going after holding out in 2017 and 2018.
“It took a couple games to get going”
Garrett pairing on hold for now
The Rams planned to pair Donald with Myles Garrett, but Garrett's knee injury has delayed that defensive duo from taking the field together.
What matters most
Aaron Donald needs a few games to shake off rust after two years away, but feels confident he'll regain his form quickly.
