McVay hopeful Aaron Donald, Jaylen Watson will play Monday vs. Bills; Terrance Ferguson placed on IR
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said he is hopeful defensive end Aaron Donald (back) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder) will be available for Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, the team reported Oct. 5, 2026. McVay also explained that the club placed tight end Terrance Ferguson on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. The Rams completed the transaction and listed Ferguson on injured reserve Oct. 5, 2026.
The update follows the Rams’ final injury report for Week 4 at Philadelphia, released Oct. 2, 2026, which listed Ferguson, Watson and Donald as out for that game. That Week 4 report indicated wide receiver Puka Nacua and safety Kamren Kinchens were cleared to play while tight end Colby Parkinson was listed as questionable. McVay said Watson and Donald were trending toward being able to play Monday night against Buffalo.
McVay has provided regular injury updates throughout the season as the Rams manage multiple roster moves and recoveries. The move to place Ferguson on injured reserve removes a tight end from the rotation and will require Los Angeles to adjust personnel at the position. The team must confirm final game-day statuses when the official report is released ahead of kickoff.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Aaron Donald’s potential return would be meaningful for the Rams’ pass rush, and Jaylen Watson’s availability would help stabilize the secondary after both were listed out for Week 4. Placing Terrance Ferguson on injured reserve shortens the tight end group and forces roster adjustments. McVay’s optimism about Donald and Watson suggests progress, but the Rams will need to wait for the official game-day designations to know how the lineup will look against Buffalo.