It was homecoming for Aaron Donald when the Los Angeles Rams played the New York Giants at Inglewood. Despite a long pause from the active football action, the veteran defensive tackle helped the Rams create pressure at a rate the team has not reached in several seasons during Monday night’s 28-6 win.

Donald played 32 defensive snaps in his first regular-season appearance in 32 months, but the Rams still produced a 66.7% pass-rush win rate, according to Next Gen Stats. It was Los Angeles’ highest single-game mark in the metric since the 2022 season.

The three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year finished with three tackles and a tackle for loss.

The Giants had to account for Donald in the middle of the defensive line, which created more room for the Rams' other pass rushers to attack. Los Angeles consistently disrupted New York’s offense and kept the Giants from finding any rhythm through the air or on the ground.

Donald also helped the Rams slow the Giants’ running game from the interior. Even with his snaps managed as he works his way back into game shape, he gave Los Angeles another experienced presence up front and helped the defense control the line of scrimmage.

His return could be especially important with Myles Garrett sidelined after knee surgery. The Rams cannot expect Donald to immediately handle a full workload after two years away, but Monday’s performance showed why bringing him back can change the way opposing offenses approach the defensive front.

Los Angeles improved to 1-1 after bouncing back from its Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams now head into Week 3 with Donald back in the rotation.