Aaron Donald’s comeback has hit a snag, but the Rams will have one of their best players back for Sunday’s game against the Eagles.
Head coach Sean McVay announced in his Friday press conference that Donald is one of a few players who have been ruled out with a back injury. He did not practice all week.
“He is as tough as it gets. Just not feeling good enough,” McVay said, via Gary Klein of the L.A. Times. “He would do it and he could probably go be productive, but part of our job is to protect these tough dudes like him from themselves.”
But McVay added that receiver Puka Nacua will not have a game status and is set to play after missing the last two games with a hip injury.
Via Sarah Barshop of ESPN, McVay noted Nacua “looked sharp” at practice on Thursday but the Rams still may monitor the receiver’s snap count.
In addition to Donald, the Rams have also ruled out cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder) and tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle).
Tight end Colby Parkinson (knee/shoulder) is questionable, as is linebacker Grant Stuard (groin).
Finally, McVay said Alex Bachman will replace Xavier Smith as the team’s punt returner. Smith was waived earlier on Friday.