Rams Prepare Donald Watson and Parkinson for Bills Matchup

The Los Angeles Rams are preparing to restore three injured players to their lineup for a Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, with defensive lineman Aaron Donald, cornerback Jaylen Watson and tight end Colby Parkinson making progress in their recoveries. Head coach Sean McVay expects all three to be available for Monday night's game if their rehabilitation continues without setbacks.

According to the Rams' October 9 injury updates, Donald is recovering from back soreness, Watson is managing a shoulder injury, and Parkinson is dealing with knee and shoulder problems. All three missed the previous week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles and participated in limited practice Thursday.

McVay confirmed that the team intends to gradually increase their practice workloads before deciding whether they can play against Buffalo.

"The expectation is as long as they progress accordingly, then they'll be ready to go," McVay said Thursday.

Donald missed all of the Rams' practices during the previous week because of his back injury. His limited participation on Thursday marked a positive development, although the team is still monitoring his response to increased activity.

"That's what the hope is, yes," McVay said when asked whether Donald would play against the Bills on Monday night.

The veteran defensive lineman's return would strengthen a Rams defense that played without him against Philadelphia. According to Pro Football Rumors, Donald has recorded a 33% pass-rush win rate through two games, ranking second among interior defensive linemen, although he has not played enough snaps to qualify as a full-time participant in that statistical ranking.

Donald has played 54% of the Rams' defensive snaps since returning from retirement. That represents a reduction from the at least 81% snap share he recorded in every season from 2017 through 2023, as the team manages his workload following a two-year absence.

McVay said Donald's practice progress has been encouraging.

"Everything has been progressing in the right direction," McVay said.

Watson is also working toward a return after missing the Eagles game with a shoulder injury. McVay said the coaching and medical staffs planned to use a shoulder harness during Thursday's practice to assess how the cornerback responded to activity.

Parkinson's recovery has also advanced, but the Rams intend to manage his practice repetitions carefully while evaluating his knee and shoulder issues.

"We'll be smart with the kind of reps that he takes," McVay said of Parkinson's workload.

The Rams began their practice week on Thursday because their prime-time matchup against Buffalo is scheduled for Monday Night Football. According to the Rams' injury report published by Rams Wire, nine players appeared on the team's report, although only four were held out of practice because of injuries.

Quarterback and receiver availability also improved for Los Angeles after wide receiver Puka Nacua returned against Philadelphia. Nacua caught nine passes for 125 yards and scored a rushing touchdown in the game, helping the Rams recover from a two-score deficit in the second half.

Safety Kam Kinchens also returned to action. Meanwhile, Quentin Lake missed Thursday's practice because of a minor hip injury, while Josaiah Stewart was sidelined by a groin issue and Nate Landman by a shoulder problem. Special teams contributor Grant Stuard was dealing with a hamstring injury.

Konata Mumpfield participated fully, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. did not appear on the injury report after being hurt the previous week.

Buffalo also monitored several players ahead of the matchup. According to Rams Wire, D.J. Moore, defensive lineman Ed Oliver and cornerback Dee Alford did not participate in practice, while cornerback Christian Benford and defensive lineman Landon Jackson were limited.

The Rams will continue evaluating their injured players as they prepare for the Week 5 contest, with Donald, Watson and Parkinson's availability dependent on their progress before Monday night's kickoff.