Aaron Donald Posts Three Tackles in Return as Rams Rout Giants 28-6

The veteran defensive tackle played his first NFL game in 32 months and helped Los Angeles notch its first victory of the 2026 season.

Aaron Donald suited up for the Los Angeles Rams for the first time in 32 months on Monday night, and the home crowd at SoFi Stadium went home happy after a 28-6 win over the New York Giants. The three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who sat out the season opener against San Francisco in Melbourne, Australia, recorded three tackles, one behind the line of scrimmage, across 32 defensive snaps. "It was a good start, good win," Donald said. "Enjoy it today and right back to work tomorrow."

His signature moment arrived late in the first half with the Rams up 14-3. Facing third-and-2 from the Los Angeles 3, Donald shed his blocker and dropped Najee Harris for a 3-yard loss, forcing New York to kick a 24-yard field goal. The Rams held the Giants to 182 total yards and picked off Jameis Winston, who entered after Jaxson Dart left with a left knee injury on the opening drive. Winston completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards.

Matthew Stafford powered the offense with 22-of-31 passing for 327 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Davante Adams hauled in eight catches for 195 yards and two scores — his best output in a Rams uniform — while Kyren Williams and Terrance Ferguson caught the other touchdowns. Cornerback Trent McDuffie added his first interception as a Ram and broke up four passes, a single-game career best.

The win came without Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett, who were among the absentees for Los Angeles. The game marked Donald's second stint with the franchise, which began when he signed a one-year, $20 million contract in August. Originally the 13th overall selection in the 2014 draft, he retired in 2024 after 10 seasons, 111 career sacks and a 53-tackle 2023 campaign. The Rams visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.