The Los Angeles Rams are getting some much-needed reinforcements for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills.<\/p>\n
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.<\/a> All three players should give the Rams a significant boost <\/a>on both sides of the football as they look to get above .500 for the first time this season.<\/p>\n All three players missed last Sunday\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up for the California Morning Report newsletter\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\tThanks for signing up!\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) looks on before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n \u201cAs far as injuries are concerned, Aaron was a DNP, but he\u2019s good,\u201d McVay said. \u201cHe\u2019ll be good to go for the game, no status there.\u201d<\/p>\n Donald told reporters on Friday that he felt \u201cgreat\u201d after sitting out last week and that he expects to play against Allen and the Bills.<\/p>\n \u201cI plan to play this week,\u201d Donald declared Friday.<\/p>\n Watson\u2019s return might be the most remarkable of all three players.<\/p>\n The cornerback suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Rams\u2019 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<\/a> that is designed to restrict his shoulder\u2019s range of motion and reduce the risk of another dislocation.<\/p>\n Parkinson, meanwhile, is also cleared after missing the Philadelphia game with a shoulder injury to his AC joint.<\/p>\n The only question mark is safety Quentin Lake, who is dealing with a minor hip injury.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only guy that will be listed as questionable will be \u2018Q\u2019 Lake, but I feel like he\u2019s turning in the right direction and feels good, so that\u2019s a positive for us,\u201d McVay said.<\/p>\n Despite all the good news, the Rams biggest weapon will unfortunately still be waiting in the wings.<\/p>\n McVay provided an update on defensive end Myles Garrett who was placed on IR after the team\u2019s opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers after he underwent a procedure on his knee.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t open his 21-day practice window just yet.<\/a><\/p>\n Myles Garrett (95) of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to the NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s making good progress,\u201d McVay said. \u201cIt\u2019s week to week in terms of how he feels, but I would say it\u2019s more likely that we do not start his clock next week.\u201d<\/p>\n McVay emphasized that the Rams aren\u2019t interested in rushing their prized offseason acquisition back onto the field simply because he\u2019s medically cleared.<\/p>\n Citing renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, McVay explained the distinction between being healthy enough to play and being physically prepared to dominate.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a difference between return to play and return to performance,\u201d McVay said.<\/p>\n Garrett\u2019s knee surgery went well, and McVay believes his eventual return could progress quickly once he resumes football activities.<\/p>\n \u201cHow quickly can the alien get up to speed for us?\u201d McVay joked.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Garrett\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters <\/p>\n California Post News: Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a> \t\t\t\t\t\t
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