![\"Aaron](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/GettyImages-2296473748-e1791048970618.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Rob Parker on Aaron Donald\u2019s return<\/p>\n
The Los Angeles Rams<\/a> are preparing for a difficult Week 4 road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles after falling to 1-2. The team must manage several injuries while trying to regain momentum after its 30-26 loss to the Denver Broncos<\/a>.<\/p>\n Los Angeles has already dealt with absences on both sides of the ball this season. The Rams also remain without defensive star Myles Garrett, who has been sidelined since the season opener while recovering from knee surgery.<\/p>\n The Rams now enter Philadelphia with changes needed across the roster. Aaron Donald\u2019s availability has become another important part of the defensive picture, while Puka Nacua is expected to return and give Matthew Stafford another key option.<\/p>\n Rob Parker Mocks Aaron Donald After Back Injury<\/p>\n Aaron Donald was ruled out for the Rams\u2019 Week 4 game against the Eagles because of back soreness. The injury prompted analyst Rob Parker to strongly criticize the defensive tackle\u2019s production since his return from retirement.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s Casper the friendly ghost\u201d\ud83d\udc7b On FOX\u2019s \u201cThe Odd Couple\u201d podcast, Parker called<\/a> Donald \u201cCasper the friendly ghost\u201d and questioned how the three-time Defensive Player of the Year could have so little impact.<\/p>\n \u201cHow can you be that big and be that invisible?\u201d Parker said. \u201cI got more pressure when I wake up in the morning and go to the bathroom.\u201d<\/p>\n He questioned whether Donald should have returned to the NFL<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been a zero since he came back and now he got a back issue. He should have stayed retired. I tried to tell you this,\u201d Parker said.<\/p>\n Kelvin Washington pushed back during the discussion. He argued that Donald was not expected to immediately return as the dominant player he was several years ago. Washington also pointed to Myles Garrett\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n Donald has played two games since returning to the Rams after retiring following the 2023 season. He missed the opener in Australia before returning against the New York Giants<\/a>. He then played in the loss to Denver.<\/p>\n Sean McVay said Donald\u2019s back soreness surfaced after the Broncos game. The coach stressed that Donald remained willing to play but did not feel good enough to suit up.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s as tough as it gets, just not feeling good enough. And I think it would be irresponsible on my part \u2026 to ask him,\u201d McVay said<\/a>.<\/p>\n Puka Nacua Set to Return Against Eagles<\/p>\n While Donald will miss the Eagles game, Puka Nacua is expected to return after missing the previous two games with a hip injury.<\/p>\n Nacua practiced throughout the week and carries no game designation. McVay said the receiver looked strong and explosive during practice, although the Rams could manage his snap count after the two-game absence.<\/p>\n \u201cPhysically he\u2019s getting in and out of his breaks, looks strong, looks sturdy, looks explosive,\u201d McVay said<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nacua played in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers<\/a> and caught five passes for 74 yards. His return gives Matthew Stafford another major weapon alongside Davante Adams.<\/p>\n Adams has produced 332 receiving yards and two touchdowns across the Rams\u2019 last two games. Adding Nacua back into the offense gives Stafford another proven target as Los Angeles prepares for Philadelphia.<\/p>\n The Rams will also need to manage several defensive absences. Donald is out, while Myles Garrett remains sidelined. Cornerback Jaylen Watson and tight end Terrance Ferguson were also ruled out, while Colby Parkinson and Josaiah Stewart were listed as questionable.<\/p>\n The Eagles will enter the matchup with absences of their own. DeVonta Smith, Zack Baun, Dallas Goedert, and Marcus Epps were ruled out, creating additional changes for both teams ahead of Sunday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tDebayan Biswas<\/a> Debayan Biswas is a sports writer at Heavy Sports covering NBA, NFL, Soccer, and Golf. His work has been syndicated on Yahoo Sports, Yardbarker, Flipboard, The Sun News, and The Olympian. Previously, he contributed to Athlon Sports, EssentiallySports, and PFSN. More about Debayan Biswas<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \t
\n@robparkerMLBbro<\/a> and @Kdubblive<\/a> debate Aaron Donald\u2019s impact in his return to the Rams this season. <\/p>\n