Full Breakdown
Aaron Donald ruled out, Puka Nacua returns as Rams face Eagles in Week 4
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay announced on October 2, 2026 that defensive tackle Aaron Donald will miss the Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles because of back soreness. The same report confirmed that tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (dislocated shoulder) are also unavailable. Wide receiver Puka Nacua cleared his hip and groin issues and is slated to play after missing the past two games.
Background & Context
Donald ended a two-year retirement in late August, signing a one-year, $20 million deal to rejoin the Rams. He sat out the season-opening loss in Australia, then appeared against the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos, recording four tackles and no sacks. The Rams entered the Eagles game with a 1-2 record, while Philadelphia stood at 2-1.
The Rams also entered the week without edge rusher Myles Garrett, who remains on injured reserve after knee surgery, leaving the interior defensive line shorthanded.
Data & Statistics
- Aaron Donald: 4 tackles in 2 games; 0 sacks.
- Puka Nacua: 5 receptions for 74 yards in the season opener; 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
- Rams defense: 3rd-fewest yards allowed per game (272.7 yd) after Week 3.
- Rams offense: 26+ points in each of the last two weeks; 4th in passing yards and 7th in rushing yards.
- Eagles injuries: wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), and linebacker Zack Baun (concussion) ruled out for the game.
Official Statements & Responses
McVay explained that Donald’s back “has some soreness” that surfaced after the Broncos loss and that the team could not justify asking him to play while “not feeling good enough.”
The coach also noted that the Rams released kick-returner Xavier Smith after “inconsistent” special-teams play and promoted practice-squad receiver Alex Bachman to handle punt returns.
Special-teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone stressed the need for better ball tracking and consistency on punts, acknowledging the recent turnover that prompted the roster move.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s as tough as it gets. Just not feeling good enough,” — Sean McVay, Rams head coach
- “We need to do a better job of tracking the ball, judging the ball, fielding the ball when necessary, not fielding it in other situations,” — Bubba Ventrone, special teams coach
What’s Next
The Rams will travel to Philadelphia for Sunday’s game, aiming to improve to 2-2 and keep pace in the NFC West. A Week 5 showdown against the Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football” follows, providing a critical test of the defense without Donald and Garrett and of the offense with Nacua back in the lineup.