“It cost us the game tonight,” McVay told reporters once the game concluded. From now on, the head coach will have to make decisions and carefully evaluate every step moving forward: “I’m gonna evaluate everything.”

The NFL season has flown by, and Week 6 is already approaching, meaning the margin for error must be addressed immediately. The Rams, once considered contenders, can no longer afford to let more opportunities slip away moving forward.

It wasn’t the kickers’ night for the Rams

The Los Angeles Rams’ kicking unit ultimately cost them the game against the Buffalo Bills, leaving critical points on the board throughout Monday night’s matchup. Kicker Harrison Mevis struggled heavily, missing two crucial field goal attempts on the night.

First, he pushed a 50-yard attempt wide in the first quarter. Then, with a chance to seal the victory in overtime, his potential game-winning 48-yard kick was blocked by Greg Rousseau. Combined with shaky kick coverage earlier in the game, these special teams blunders proved fatal for Los Angeles.

Mevis is already looking ahead

Harrison Mevis was one of the night’s biggest talking points, but not for the right reasons. The kicker had his field goal attempt blocked in overtime, yet his mindset remains stronger than ever: “I know who I am and I know how I’ll respond as a kicker. I have a next kick mentality.”

Key takeaways

• Sean McVay stated that missed field goals cost the Rams the game against the Bills.
• Kicker Harrison Mevis missed two crucial field goal attempts, including a 50-yard try in the first quarter.
• Greg Rousseau blocked a potential game-winning 48-yard field goal attempt by Harrison Mevis in overtime.

Colby Parkinson and Jaylen Watson are two other names on the list of players expected to take the field at SoFi Stadium. Having all their key pieces available is essential for the Rams to counter Josh Allen and the Bills.

Despite coming out of retirement after a few years away, Donald remains an indispensable pillar of the defense. The No. 99 is slowly regaining the form that made him one of the best players at his position.

Donald has already shown flashes of his former self

After stepping away from the game in March 2024, Aaron Donald shocked the league by officially coming out of retirement in late August 2026 to rejoin the Rams on a one-year deal. Because he missed all of training camp and preseason, Los Angeles has eased him back into the defense with heavy rotational usage rather than his traditional full-game workload.

Through his limited action in the early part of the 2026 campaign, the iconic defensive tackle has served as a situational pass-rusher and run stopper while slowly building back his game conditioning.

Donald’s recent injury concerns

Just as he was starting to build momentum in his 2026 comeback, Aaron Donald hit a quick bump in the road with a lower back injury. After experiencing flare-ups and muscle soreness leading into Week 4, the Rams held him out of practice and ruled him out against the Philadelphia Eagles as a precautionary measure to avoid any long-term setbacks.

The good news for L.A. is that the injury wasn’t severe—he returned to practice as a full participant ahead of Week 5 and expressed confidence about being back on the field.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Donald is expected to be available for the Rams after missing Week 4.
• Aaron Donald came out of retirement in late August 2026 on a one-year deal.
• Aaron Donald missed Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a lower back injury.

On the Rams‘ side, there are no surprises at the quarterback position, with Matthew Stafford as the starter seeking his MVP form, Stetson Bennett IV as the primary backup (second string), and Ty Simpson serving as the third-string QB.

For the Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen takes the field as the starter, maintaining an exceptional level over recent seasons while still striving to prove himself in the playoffs. Kyle Allen serves as his backup.

How the Stafford vs Allen matchup stacks up

When Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen are playing their best, they are both top-five quarterbacks in the NFL. These are the 2024 and 2025 NFL MVPs, which puts into perspective what they can deliver on the field.

However, that has not been the case this season, especially for Stafford, who is off to a slow start. From a pure talent standpoint, these two players are pretty even. Based on the first four games, Allen has clearly been the better quarterback. Allen is fifth in EPA per play while Stafford is 18th.

How both teams enter with injuries

Head coach Sean McVay said Lake was making progress in his recovery. Defensive lineman Aaron Donald, cornerback Jaylen Watson, and tight end Colby Parkinson are all back in action after missing Week 4.

For the Bills, receiver Josh Palmer and defensive tackle Ed Oliver have been ruled out. Rookie wideout Sky Bell, a one-time potential Rams draft prospect, will be active for the first time this season. WR1 DJ Moore is also questionable, alongside defensive end Landon Jackson and cornerback Dee Alford.

Key takeaways

• Matthew Stafford is LA’s QB1, backed by Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson.
• Josh Allen leads Buffalo as QB1, backed by Kyle Allen.
• Aaron Donald, Jaylen Watson, and Colby Parkinson return for Los Angeles.

Garrett is not available when the Rams take on quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills, according to McVay: “It’s week to week in terms of how he feels, but I would say it’s more likely that we do not start his clock next week.”

Garrett is still recovering from a knee injury that required surgery after the Rams’ Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Monday night against the Buffalo Bills will mark Garrett’s fourth game missed, meaning he would be eligible to come off IR, but he needs more time before being activated.

When will Garrett return?

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network previously reported that Garrett was given a six-week timeline, which would put him on track to return in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Garrett has only played one game for the Rams this season after being acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns back in June. In Garrett’s place, Josaiah Stewart has stepped up as a starter alongside Byron Young. The Rams have also given snaps to rookie Wesley Bailey and Desjuan Johnson.

Assuming Garrett does not play next week, when he is first eligible to return, the Rams‘ next game is against the Raiders in Week 7, followed by their matchup with the Chargers in Week 8. As a result, he is set to miss a fifth game.

Unremarkable numbers for the backups

Stewart has 11 total tackles in four games played, but he has not recorded a sack this season. Desjuan Johnson and Wesley Bailey could also be considered backup options.

Key takeaways

• A knee injury requiring surgery keeps Myles Garrett out of Los Angeles’ Week 5 game.
• Week 8 against the Chargers is targeted for Myles Garrett’s return from injury.
• Josaiah Stewart has stepped up as a starter for the Rams without Myles Garrett.

The Bills have miracle-maker Josh Allen on the roster, but the receiver’s room is not precisely healthy. He could have second-tier weapons having to step up in this game. It will all depend on how the depth chart ends up looking. You can also check on the RB depth charts for the Rams vs Bills game.

As for the Rams, star wideout Puka Nacua has dealt with some sports hernia injury but it seems he is playing through the injury. That is an incredible sign for quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose chemistry with Nacua is unmatched.

Bills WR depth chart vs Rams

Star wideout DJ Moore is out. It all depended on how Moore was feeling regarding his AC joint strain in his shoulder, and it seems he won’t be fit to play. Joshua Palmer and Tyrell Shavers are also out. This is the depth chart for this game:

• DJ Moore (questionable, game-time decision)
• Khalil Shakir
• Keon Coleman
• Greg Dortch
• Skyler Bell
• Trent Sherfield

Rams WR depth chart vs Bills

The Rams have a healthier wide receiver room than the Bills. Also, they are loaded with talent, which means they could go all out in full force against the Bills in this Monday Night Football game. This is their depth chart for MNF vs Bills:

• Puka Nacua
• Davante Adams
• Konata Mumpfield
• Jordan Whittington
• Tutu Atwell
• Alex Bachman
• CJ Daniels

The Rams have an in-form Kyren Williams who is on an absolute roll. In fact, the so-called committee with Blake Corum has been dissipated due to Williams’ talent and proficiency.

As for the Bills, quarterback Josh Allen adds a lot to the running game, but James Cook is fresh off a season where he led the NFL in rushing yards and led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2024.

Rams RB depth chart vs Bills

The Rams are the 11th-best rushing offense so far in the 2026 NFL season. They average 126.8 rushing yards per game, though Williams is also highly-important in the passing game. This is the Rams RB depth chart vs Bills:

• Kyren Williams
• Blake Corum
• Dean Connors

Bills RB depth chart vs Rams

The Bills are a very good offense and James Cook is very talented. He has explosiveness on his side, but the Bills also give a fair share of snaps to their other running backs. This is their depth chart:

• James Cook III
• Ray Davis
• Ty Johnson

Key takeaways

• Kyren Williams’ strong form dissipated his running back committee with Blake Corum.
• James Cook III led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2024.
• The Rams feature the 11th-best rushing offense in the 2026 NFL season.

McVay confirmed on Saturday that defensive tackle Aaron Donald will play in Monday Night Football’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills despite missing practice. McVay provided the encouraging update during his Saturday press conference.

“As far as injuries are concerned, Aaron was a DNP but he’s good. He’ll be good to go for the game – no status there.” Donald is set to return after missing Los Angeles’ 24-20 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4.

How Donald will return

The veteran defensive tackle has appeared in two games since returning to the NFL, recording four tackles, including one solo and three assisted, along with a tackle for a 3-yard loss. Already showing a glimpse of what he is capable of, he should be even better as he gains more rhythm.

His availability provides a boost for the Rams‘ defensive front as they prepare to face a Buffalo team that enters the matchup at 3-1. McVay also provided an update on defensive back Quentin Lake, who remains questionable for Monday’s game.

Other major news for the Rams

Aside from the news on Donald, McVay revealed that cornerback Jaylen Watson and tight end Colby Parkinson have all been cleared to play against Josh Allen and the Bills at SoFi Stadium in primetime.

Watson’s return might be the most remarkable among the players. The cornerback suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Rams’ Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos and initially appeared destined for a lengthy absence. Instead, Watson will return after missing just one NFL regular-season game and is expected to wear a protective harness designed to restrict his shoulder’s range of motion and reduce the risk of another dislocation.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Donald will play against the Buffalo Bills despite a DNP designation.
• Four tackles were recorded by Donald in two games since returning to action.
• Jaylen Watson and Colby Parkinson were cleared to play for Los Angeles.

“I feel good,” Donald said during his press conference. “I feel a lot better than what I was.” Clearly, this is not good news for Allen, as No. 99 looks to regain the form that once made him the best player at his position.

Through the first four weeks, the Bills’ quarterback has been sacked nine times, resulting in a loss of 50 yards. Heading into a crucial matchup against the Rams, those negative numbers could climb even higher.

Donald wants to return to his former glory

Aaron Donald’s return from retirement with the Rams has been a bit of a gradual grind so far in this 2026 NFL season. After sitting out Week 1 while ramping up, he made his season debut in Week 2 and has racked up 4 total tackles (1 solo, 3 assisted) and 1 tackle for loss through two games before missing Week 4 due to back soreness.

While he hasn’t registered a sack yet and is still fighting through minor physical bumps, the 10-time Pro Bowler is working to shake off the rust, get back into game shape, and regain that dominant, game-disrupting form that defined his legendary career.

Stopping Allen will be the key

Stopping Josh Allen is hands-down the ultimate key for the Rams if they want to secure a huge victory on Monday Night Football. Allen has been putting up absolute video-game numbers so far this 2026 season—racking up 1,039 passing yards with 6 passing touchdowns through 4 games, while staying lethal on the ground with 118 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.

He’s the engine that powers Buffalo’s entire offense, meaning L.A.’s defense will need to generate relentless pressure, keep him contained inside the pocket, and force him into bad decisions; if the Rams can neutralize his dual-threat magic and limit his explosive plays, they’ll be in prime position to steal a massive win.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Donald declared he feels good ahead of the Rams’ matchup against Buffalo.
• Josh Allen has been sacked nine times through the first four weeks.
• Aaron Donald has recorded 4 total tackles through two games played in 2026.

“Saquon Barkley (hamstring) has been downgraded to out, Eagles say,” as reported by Andrew DiCecco of Inside The Birds. Barkley was initially considered questionable, but his return has now been ruled out in Week 4.

The fact that Barkley appeared to suffer a non-contact injury and was unable to return for the rest of the drive only raises fears for the Eagles, who also missed Barkley for the majority of Week 2. Behind Barkley, Philadelphia’s running back room includes Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. The Eagles will count on them to lead them to victory against the Rams.

Needless to say, it’s a nightmare start for Philadelphia at home against Los Angeles. Taking on the Rams, the Eagles were already without both DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. With Barkley ruled out, Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni are in for an even steeper climb.

Another injury for Barkley

The hamstring injury suffered in Week 4 isn’t the first time this season the Eagles have run into trouble with Saquon. Back in Week 2 of the NFL campaign, the star running back suffered an arm stinger that forced him out of the game early on. So far, Barkley hasn’t been able to get off to the start he hoped for in 2026.

Barkley has 34 carries for 174 rushing yards. He has also caught three passes for only six yards. As shocking as it sounds, Barkley has yet to score a touchdown four weeks into the season.

Key takeaways

• Out in Week 4 after suffering a non-contact hamstring injury on Philadelphia’s first offensive play.
• Eagles are already playing without receivers DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert against Rams.
• Saquon Barkley has accumulated 34 carries for 174 rushing yards without scoring a touchdown.

Donald’s absence becomes even more significant because the Rams are already dealing with another major loss along the defensive front. Myles Garrett is also out, meaning Los Angeles will have to find a way to slow down the Eagles without two of the biggest names expected to anchor its defensive line.

The situation puts additional pressure on the rest of the front seven. Against an Eagles offense capable of controlling games with both the passing and running attacks, the Rams will need other players to step up if they want to leave Philadelphia with a crucial road victory.

When will Aaron Donald play for Rams?

The current expectation is that Aaron Donald might return in Week 5 when the Rams face the Buffalo Bills. The schedule could give the veteran defensive lineman an additional day of rest because that highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Monday Night Football.

The Rams-Bills game has already generated plenty of attention because of the potential implications surrounding two teams with Super Bowl aspirations. A matchup featuring Donald and Buffalo’s offense could be one of the most anticipated games of the early season, assuming the Rams’ star defender is healthy enough to return.

However, Los Angeles cannot afford to look too far ahead. The Rams could be running out of room for mistakes, and a loss against Philadelphia would make their upcoming schedule even more challenging. With several difficult games ahead, every early-season defeat could become increasingly costly in the playoff race.

That makes Sunday’s game particularly important despite Donald’s absence. The Rams will have to rely on their remaining defensive talent to compensate for the missing stars and prevent the Eagles from controlling the game at the line of scrimmage.

If Donald can return against Buffalo, the extra recovery time could be valuable. But first, Los Angeles has to survive a difficult road test in Philadelphia without two of its most important defensive players and avoid allowing its playoff position to become complicated this early in the season.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Donald will miss the Week 4 game against Philadelphia due to a back issue.
• Defensive front teammate Myles Garrett is also ruled out for the road matchup.
• Donald might return in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.

Garrett was placed on IR after the Rams determined that surgery was necessary to address his knee issue. The move guaranteed that he would miss at least four games, including the Week 4 meeting with Philadelphia and the upcoming Monday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

His absence is a major blow for Los Angeles, especially with Aaron Donald also ruled out against the Eagles because of a back injury. The Rams will therefore be without both of their biggest defensive stars as they attempt to slow down Philadelphia on the road.

When will Myles Garrett return for LA Rams?

Myles Garrett is facing at least a six-week recovery after his knee surgery. The Rams have been very cautious about putting a specific return date on their star defender.

Sean McVay previously said Garrett was feeling good following surgery, but the Rams do not intend to rush him back. The team wants him to be fully prepared to practice and perform at the level expected from one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players before activating him.

Reports have indicated that Garrett could potentially return around Week 8, with November 8 against the Washington Commanders emerging as a possible target if his recovery continues as expected. However, that timeline is not official, and Los Angeles has emphasized that his recovery will determine when he returns.

That means the Rams will have to continue without Garrett for the time being. His absence against Philadelphia is particularly significant because Los Angeles is already missing Donald, leaving the defensive front without two of its most disruptive players.

The Rams will need other members of their defensive line and pass rush to step up while Garrett continues his recovery. With the season moving forward and difficult games ahead, getting their star defender back healthy could become one of the team’s biggest priorities as Los Angeles tries to remain in the playoff race.

Key takeaways

• Myles Garrett is sidelined on injured reserve following recent knee surgery.
• Placement on injured reserve guarantees a minimum four-game absence.
• A potential return target is the November 8 game against the Washington Commanders.