​NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 20: Aaron Donald attends Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 20, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Fanatics) GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 31: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 23: Francis Mauigoa of Miami celebrates after being selected tenth overall pick by the New York Giants during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) GettyThe Los Angeles Rams should learn quickly how much of Aaron Donald’s old game survived nearly three years away from the NFL.His opening assignment could provide a good response.Donald is expected to start and work in a rotation against the New York Giants on Monday night, placing one of the greatest defensive linemen in league history across from rookie right guard Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa.Mauigoa, the No. 10 overall pick, didn’t allow a pressure or quarterback hit in his NFL debut.But Donald has made a career of turning promising blockers into weekly reminders of his dominance.Donald’s Return Would Pit Him Against $31 Million RookieGettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 31: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Giants reporter Patricia Traina expects Los Angeles to ease Donald into action after his two-season retirement.Still, she sees an opportunity if the Rams line him up opposite Mauigoa.“I actually like the matchup if he goes against Sisi Mauigoa,” Traina wrote on X on Sept. 21.Donald told reporters that playing against New York was “the plan,” and FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that the 35-year-old will start while operating in a rotation. The appearance would end a 982-day absence dating to Los Angeles’ playoff loss in Detroit after the 2023 season.A reduced workload could make the individual matchup more important. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula can choose moments for Donald instead of asking him to handle his former every-down role.The Rams need those moments after a downtrodden opener.Los Angeles failed to record a sack and surrendered 174 rushing yards during its 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Myles Garrett then underwent knee surgery and landed on injured reserve, accelerating the need for Donald to contribute.Donald retired with 111 career sacks, three Defensive Player of the Year awards and eight first-team All-Pro selections. Even a limited version should command attention beside Kobie Turner and Byron Young.His most recent meeting with the Giants was productive, too. Donald collecte