NFL Week 2 Injury Watch: Rams Optimistic on Aaron Donald Return as Vikings Face Quarterback Uncertainty

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay indicated on Thursday that the team is optimistic about defensive tackle Aaron Donald being ready for Monday night’s match against the New York Giants. Donald, who has not played since the 2024 NFC Wildcard game against the Detroit Lions, is described by McVay as "champing at the bit" to suit up. The Rams are hopeful that Donald will be cleared following practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, a potential return that is pivotal given that All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett is currently on injured reserve.

The Rams are looking to bounce back after a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. A victory against the Giants, who defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 in their season opener, would provide a much-needed lift for the squad as they head home for the second week of the season.

In Minnesota, the availability of quarterback Kyler Murray for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears remains uncertain. Murray, who suffered a concussion during a third-down scramble against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, participated in practice in a limited capacity for the second consecutive day. According to reports from CBS Sports, Murray still has steps remaining in the NFL concussion protocol before he can be fully cleared for action.

If Murray is not cleared by Sunday, backup quarterback Carson Wentz is expected to start for the Vikings. Wentz led a late fourth-quarter comeback against the Packers in Week 1, throwing for 133 yards and three touchdowns off the bench. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff are considered comfortable turning to Wentz for another start, though the Vikings may also be without wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who missed practice again on Thursday.

Elsewhere in the league, New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has been cleared to play without limitations against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Henderson, who has been sidelined since late August with an ankle injury, told reporters on Thursday that he is "ready to go" and excited to be back with his teammates.

Conversely, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey and Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins may miss their respective games this week. Their statuses are currently described as potentially missing, indicating that they have not yet been ruled out entirely for the upcoming fixtures.