Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald said Friday that he expects to play on Monday night against the New York Giants.
"That's the plan," Donald said when asked if he will play in Week 2. "Practice today, have another practice tomorrow and then we'll see, but feeling good."
Donald, who initially retired in March 2024, came out of retirement Aug. 30. He did not travel to the Rams' Week 1 loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
On Friday, wide receiver Puka Nacua did not practice with a hip injury. Nacua, who had five catches for 74 yards in Week 1, was not on the injury report on Thursday.
On Thursday, Rams coach Sean McVay said Donald would go through the week of practice but that he was hopeful the defensive tackle would be able to play on "Monday Night Football." Donald said Friday that he was able to take part in team drills on back-to-back days and that he feels like himself.
"We can have a conversation, figure it out, but I'm feeling really good," Donald said. "I feel a lot better now that I got more practice under my belt instead of one."
Donald said he didn't know what his snap count would look like when he does play but said he thinks the coaching staff has a "good game plan."
"It's a long year, long season," Donald said. "Like I said, we got a lot of good football players out here. So however my game plan, however it's going to be, I'm going to go out there and play hard. And then when I need a break, tap out, let the next guy go out there, eat and I'll be right back. ... Whatever that role is, I'm ready for it. I'm excited about it."
If Donald plays Monday against the Giants, it will have been 981 days since he last played in an NFL game.