The Los Angeles Rams officially welcome back Aaron Donald ahead of facing the New York Giants. The “Rams House” surely will get loud once No. 99 runs onto the field. But many will wonder how much coach Sean McVay will play LA's three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

ESPN Monday Night Football sideline reporter Lisa Salters dove deep into LA's plan for Donald.

“He’ll likely play anywhere from 30-40 snaps tonight with his only goal, to be productive,” Salters shared during NFL Live.

“He’ll likely play anywhere from 30-40 snaps tonight with his only goal, to be productive.”

—@saltersl on Aaron Donald ahead of his return against the Giants 🏈 pic.twitter.com/6KyoadmfRU

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 21, 2026

So Donald is going to be on a limited count as expected. He's playing his first NFL game in two seasons and as a 35-year-old man. But Donald expressed renewed interest in the game following one blockbuster Rams move.

The franchise pulled off the stunning trade for reigning 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett on June 1. LA and general manager Les Snead orchestrated the massive move that involved dealing away draft capital to the Cleveland Browns. Although the Rams sent rising edge rusher star Jared Verse to Cleveland in exchange for Garrett.

Donald clearly became enamored with the possibility of lining up next to the multiple Pro Bowler Garrett. Los Angeles in the process earned a chance to deliver this type of NFL history: Becoming the first defensive line to feature two past NFL DPOY winners.

But the chemistry between Garrett and Donald must wait a little longer. Garrett needed to undergo surgery on his knee following the season opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers. But he'll get a good view of Donald's anticipated return versus the Giants soon.