The Los Angeles Rams have won three consecutive games, but Aaron Donald is still waiting for his first sack of the season. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year returned from a two-year retirement and has appeared in seven games.
Donald said he is not concerned about the empty sack column. “Sacks come in bunches,” he told reporters Thursday. “It’s going to come. Just keep playing ball and keep finding ways to win.” He added: “No pressure, I’m not worried about it.”
Through seven appearances, Donald has recorded 13 tackles, including three tackles for loss. The drought is unusual for a player who had 111 career sacks before retiring after the 2023 season. He reached double digits six times in his first 10 seasons, including a career-high 20.5 sacks in 2018.
The Rams have reason to feel encouraged about their pass rush after Myles Garrett returned from knee surgery. In Los Angeles’ 20-13 win over the Washington Commanders on November 8, Garrett registered three sacks, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble. It was the first game Donald and Garrett played together since the Rams acquired Garrett in June.
Donald did not record a sack in that game, but the two stars helped create favorable opportunities. Los Angeles had four sacks on 23 plays when both were on the field, while the defense allowed 5.0 yards per play on those snaps.
## Cardinals’ Injuries Could Create an Opportunity
Donald will have another chance to end his drought when the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 15. Arizona is preparing to start rookie quarterback Carson Beck, who will make his NFL regular-season debut.
The Cardinals’ offensive line is also dealing with injuries. Starting center Hjalte Froholdt has been ruled out with a concussion, and backup Jon Gaines II remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Hayden Conner is expected to start at center, despite having no regular-season snaps at the position in his first two NFL seasons.
That leaves Beck facing Donald and Garrett behind a depleted line. Arizona beat Los Angeles 18-16 in Week 6, but the Rams have since improved to 5-4.
Donald has gone seven games without a sack, but he says his priority is helping the Rams win.
