Current:Home > ContactCharles H. Sloan-Retired DT Aaron Donald still has presence on Rams, but team will 'miss him' in 2024 -PrimeFinance
Charles H. Sloan-Retired DT Aaron Donald still has presence on Rams, but team will 'miss him' in 2024
Poinbank View
Date:2025-04-11 05:18:58
Sean McVay is Charles H. Sloanpreparing for first time as the Los Angeles Rams head coach to play a full season without star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. It’s a void in the interior of the Rams defense that the team has come to terms with just days away from their season opener against the Detroit Lions.
"I want them to play the way that they're capable of the way that they've played throughout the offseason, through training camp. I want them to be able to play within themselves. Go enjoy it,” McVay told reporters this week. “I really love this group that we've been around. We've said it over and over, and you know this too. You're not ever replacing an Aaron Donald and that's not what we're asking of our guys.”
Despite Donald’s retirement in March, the Rams’ all-time sack leader still has a presence and impact on the franchise. McVay tells players stories about Donald and the future Hall of Famer visited the club leading up to Week 1.
“We were so fortunate and blessed to have such a special player in Aaron Donald to be around. What I thought was cool is he set a great example for guys that saw him play,” McVay said. “I can use him as stories all the time. He was around last week.”
While McVay admitted that he misses the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a player who helped the franchise win Super Bowl 56, he’s happy Donald is enjoying life as a retired athlete.
PLAY TO WIN $5K: USA TODAY's Pro Football Survivor Pool is free to enter. Sign up now!
“It's pretty special that he's earned the right to be able to be so content, complete and full to use his words. He's coaching his son's football team, loving that. His three-year-old son Aaric had a great birthday at their house the other day,” McVay said. “I'm really happy for Aaron. I do miss him but I'm excited about the opportunity for these guys to go do their thing and start to etch their names in this thing."
The Rams selected pass rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske with their first two picks in the 2024 NFL draft to help supplement the loss of Donald upfront. The two rookies are projected to start in the Rams’ base 3-4 defense. The team is also hoping returning defensive tackles Kobie Turner, who had a team-high nine sacks in 2023, and Bobby Brown make big impacts.
“I want Kobie Turner to be Kobie Turner. I want Bobby Brown to be Bobby Brown. Braden Fiske to be Braden Fiske,” McVay said. “That's really what we're looking for.”
On offense, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, is healthy after missing five games last season.
“I think he's done a fantastic job of getting his body back to where he wants it to be as far as feeling good, going out there, running, and doing all the things it takes to be Cooper Kupp,” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “I'm just happy for him [and] the way that he's feeling.”
Kupp is healthy and that should be a major boon for the Rams. But, as McVay said, they’ll certainly miss No. 99 in 2024 and beyond.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- How RHOSLC Star Jen Shah's Family Is Doing Since She Began Her 5-Year Prison Sentence
- Fire destroys bowling alley in North Dakota town
- First lady Jill Biden tests positive for COVID-19
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Diana Ross sings Happy Birthday to Beyoncé during the Los Angeles stop of her Renaissance tour
- Man who killed 6 members of a Nebraska family in 1975 dies after complaining of chest pain
- Sen. McConnell’s health episodes show no evidence of stroke or seizure disorder, Capitol doctor says
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Mark Meadows, John Eastman plead not guilty and waive arraignment
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Helicopter and small plane collide midair in Alaska national park, injuring 1 person
- Judge blocks Wisconsin officials from using federal voter registration form
- Lili Reinhart and Sydney Sweeney Prove There's No Bad Blood After Viral Red Carpet Moment
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Burning Man 2023: See photos of the burning of the Man at Nevada’s Black Rock Desert
- Fierce storm in southern Brazil kills at least 21 people and displaces more than 1,600
- Massachusetts teen dies after 'One Chip Challenge,' social media fad involving spicy food
Recommendation
'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
Pennsylvania manhunt for escaped killer Danelo Cavalcante intensifies after latest sighting
What to know about acute liver failure, Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth's cause of death
Rent control laws on the national level? Biden administration offers a not-so-subtle push
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
Ancient Roman bust seized from Massachusetts museum in looting probe
23 people injured after driver crashes car into Denny’s restaurant in Texas
Sen. McConnell’s health episodes show no evidence of stroke or seizure disorder, Capitol doctor says