Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay announced on Friday that star defensive tackle Aaron Donald is likely to be shut down for the rest of the season due to a knee injury that has kept him out of the last three games.
With the Rams officially eliminated from playoff contention, McVay stated that it is “probably” the case that Donald will not play again in 2022.
The head coach also confirmed that Donald will not be participating in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Despite the team’s overall struggles and a drop in his own production this season, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year was still able to earn a ninth straight Pro Bowl nomination.
Donald has recorded just five sacks in 11 appearances this year, a significant decrease from his previous five seasons in which he consistently reached double-digit quarterback sacks.
The 31-year-old considered retirement after leading the Rams to a Super Bowl win and earning MVP honors in the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last season, but he ultimately decided to return after signing a new three-year, $95 million contract in June that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
The Rams, who have also dealt with major injuries to quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Cooper Kupp, currently have a record of 4-10 entering Week 16.