Aaron Donald Loses First Rams Sack to Penalty Against Bills

Aaron Donald came close to recording his first sack since returning to the NFL when the Los Angeles Rams faced the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. The defensive lineman brought down quarterback Josh Allen, but a penalty for illegal contact nullified the play and gave Buffalo an automatic first down. According to reports from The Rams Wire and ClutchPoints published October 13, 2026, Donald had appeared in only two of the Rams' first four games entering Week 5.

His near-sack against Buffalo would have marked his first official sack of the 2026 season after returning from retirement. Donald beat his blocker with a club-to-spin move before reaching Allen in the pocket. The technique recalled the pass-rushing ability that made him one of the NFL's most dominant defensive players before he retired.

The penalty prevented Donald from adding a sack to his season statistics. According to ClutchPoints, he had recorded four total tackles across his first two appearances.

Buffalo led 6-0 on two field goals during the game, but the Rams' defense had limited the Bills' passing production. Allen had completed the early portion of the contest with just seven passing yards, according to ClutchPoints' game coverage. The Rams entered the 2026 season aiming to compete for a Super Bowl, with Donald's return expected to strengthen their defensive front. His pursuit of an official sack remained unresolved after the play against Buffalo was overturned.

Los Angeles has also dealt with the absence of Myles Garrett, who suffered an injury during the team's Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Garrett was placed on injured reserve and had not played since that season-opening game, according to ClutchPoints. Donald, who had spent two years in retirement before returning, was still working toward his first recorded sack of the season following his limited early-season availability. The penalty against Buffalo kept the veteran defensive lineman from registering the milestone on Monday night.