Rams get three starters back for Bills showdown, but one superstar must wait
The Los Angeles Rams are getting some much-needed reinforcements for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Head coach Sean McVay revealed on Saturday that defensive tackle Aaron Donald, cornerback Jaylen Watson and tight end Colby Parkinson have all been cleared to play against Josh Allen and the Bills at SoFi Stadium in primetime. All three players should give the Rams a significant boost on both sides of the football as they look to get above .500 for the first time this season.
All three players missed last Sunday’s dramatic 24-20 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Donald, who did not practice at all last week with back soreness, practiced on Thursday and Friday, before not practicing on Saturday for rest.
“As far as injuries are concerned, Aaron was a DNP, but he’s good,” McVay said. “He’ll be good to go for the game, no status there.”
Donald told reporters on Friday that he felt “great” after sitting out last week and that he expects to play against Allen and the Bills.
“I plan to play this week,” Donald declared Friday.
Watson’s return might be the most remarkable of all three players.
The cornerback suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Rams’ Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos and initially appeared destined for a lengthy absence. Instead, Watson will return after missing just one game, and is expected to wear a protective harness that is designed to restrict his shoulder’s range of motion and reduce the risk of another dislocation.
Parkinson, meanwhile, is also cleared after missing the Philadelphia game with a shoulder injury to his AC joint.
The only question mark is safety Quentin Lake, who is dealing with a minor hip injury.
“The only guy that will be listed as questionable will be ‘Q’ Lake, but I feel like he’s turning in the right direction and feels good, so that’s a positive for us,” McVay said.
Despite all the good news, the Rams biggest weapon will unfortunately still be waiting in the wings.
McVay provided an update on defensive end Myles Garrett who was placed on IR after the team’s opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers after he underwent a procedure on his knee.
The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner is eligible to come off injured reserve next week, but McVay indicated the team likely won’t open his 21-day practice window just yet.
“He’s making good progress,” McVay said. “It’s week to week in terms of how he feels, but I would say it’s more likely that we do not start his clock next week.”
McVay emphasized that the Rams aren’t interested in rushing their prized offseason acquisition back onto the field simply because he’s medically cleared.
Citing renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, McVay explained the distinction between being healthy enough to play and being physically prepared to dominate.
“There’s a difference between return to play and return to performance,” McVay said.
Garrett’s knee surgery went well, and McVay believes his eventual return could progress quickly once he resumes football activities.
“How quickly can the alien get up to speed for us?” McVay joked.
For now, the Rams will have to settle for getting Donald, Watson and Parkinson back against Buffalo and hope that Lake will be able to suit up as well.
Garrett’s return will have to wait. And with the Rams eyeing a Super Bowl run, McVay would rather have his defensive wrecking ball healthy in January than rush him back in October.
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