The Rams know what Aaron Donald could mean to their defense.
They are still determining whether that help will arrive Monday night.
Donald’s status for the home opener against the Giants remains undecided as the Rams prepare for their first game since a disastrous trip to Australia and the subsequent news that Myles Garrett requires knee surgery.
The possibility of Donald making his comeback at SoFi Stadium adds intrigue to a game already carrying significant weight for a team looking to recover from a 27-7 loss to the 49ers.
For now, though, it remains a possibility.
Donald, 35, did not play in Melbourne as he continued working toward his first NFL appearance after two seasons in retirement.
His résumé makes the appeal obvious. A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Donald spent a decade forcing offenses to account for his ability to destroy a play before it had a chance to develop.
But the question facing the Rams is about the player available to them now, after a lengthy absence, and what they can reasonably ask of him.
Being prepared to play and being prepared to handle a substantial workload are separate considerations.
Even if Donald is available Monday, the Rams would still have to determine how to deploy him and how much to put on his plate.
Garrett’s absence makes the prospect of Donald returning more attractive. It does not, by itself, answer whether he is ready.
The Rams have plenty to address regardless of the decision.
Their defensive front failed to record a sack against the 49ers, and San Francisco rushed for 174 yards. Too often, the Rams were reacting to an offense operating on its own terms.
Donald could give that front another disruptive presence. The responsibility for cleaning up the opener, however, extends across the defense.
That work must continue while his availability remains unresolved.
An energized Giants team is coming to SoFi Stadium with an opportunity to compound the Rams’ early frustration. The Rams need a response that shows the breakdowns in Melbourne can be corrected before they become a recurring problem.
Having Donald in uniform would give the crowd an immediate lift and the defense an intriguing addition.
The Rams still have to decide whether Monday is the right moment to take that step.
Until then, one of their biggest potential answers remains a question.
