Aaron Donald urges consistency as Rams D-line loses depth
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald said on Oct. 22, 2026, “We just got to do our job.” He made the remarks as the Rams navigated a 2-4 start after he came out of retirement and rejoined the team on Aug. 30. Injuries have hit the deep defensive line, with Poona Ford and Kobie Turner landing on injured reserve, leaving the group short on depth. The comments came ahead of the Rams’ Sunday game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Donald has led by example and has used his voice when needed, recalling his ‘bow up’ plea during the Super Bowl LVI playoff run. He said, “We got to keep playing ball, find a way to win, be more consistent,” and added the defense must eliminate explosive plays and finish games. He said players are stepping up and speaking more while the overall message and goals remain unchanged.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula said snap counts for Donald will depend on game flow and that the staff has a general plan but may extend his time in tight games, likening it to a ninth-inning pitcher. Donald has shown improved pass pressure, posting his two highest single-game pressure rates recently at 13 percent against Arizona and 10.5 percent against Buffalo. He said he will play whatever the rotation requires, listing possible snap ranges from roughly 30 to 60 plays and leaving decisions to how each game develops.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Aaron Donald’s return has coincided with a recent uptick in pressure and his leadership becomes more important as the Rams’ defensive front loses depth with Poona Ford and Kobie Turner on injured reserve. The club’s 2-4 start makes consistency and avoiding explosive plays a priority on defense, as Donald emphasized. Chris Shula’s plan to manage Donald’s snaps by game flow suggests the team will balance his impact with player availability while he remains prepared to absorb extra snaps in tight contests.