Rams lose Aaron Donald to back soreness for Eagles game, Sean McVay says he’s protecting star 'from himself'

The Rams’ revamped defensive front will be shorthanded Sunday when Los Angeles faces the Philadelphia Eagles without its two most notable offseason additions.

Myles Garrett remains on injured reserve after sustaining an injury during Week 1 in Australia. Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement in late August to rejoin the Rams, will also be sidelined Sunday. Donald did not travel with the team for the season opener because, according to coach Sean McVay, he had not yet progressed far enough in his ramp-up process.

Donald’s latest setback is notable because he is now dealing with what the team described as back issues. According to McVay, Donald “felt some soreness” after last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos.

On the other side of the ball, the Rams will welcome back a key offensive weapon Sunday, with wide receiver Puka Nacua set to return after sitting out the past two games with a hip injury.

McVay said Nacua “looked sharp” during practice this week, particularly through the session’s more physically demanding portions.

Nacua finished Week 1 with five receptions for 74 yards. Los Angeles, a pre-season Super Bowl odds-on favorite, enters Week 4 at 1-2.