Aaron Donald Injured, Latest Update on Rams Star's Back, Status vs. Eagles

Sunday's marquee matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles is losing a lot of star power due to injuries, with Aaron Donald joining the group of players not playing.

Rams head coach Sean McVay announced on Friday that a back injury will keep Donald out against the Eagles.

Donald was listed as a DNP on the Rams' official practice report for Wednesday and Thursday.

McVay told reporters after their first practice of the week they were "taking it a day at a time" with Donald.

"Just taking it a day at a time," McVay said. "I wouldn't want to say anything of that nature yet, but I think the back's a little bit sore. And he's as tough as it gets, and so I'll continue to have updates as the week goes."

The Rams have been careful not to put too much on Donald's plate early in the season as he works his way back into football shape after being retired for two years.

After sitting out Week 1 with the Rams in Australia, Donald made his season debut in Week 2. He has played a total of 68 snaps in two games, which is 54.4 percent of their defensive snaps during that period.

The Rams defense has already been playing shorthanded with Myles Garrett recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. He is currently on injured reserve and could be out through Week 8.

Los Angeles' three sacks through three games are tied with the Eagles for 28th in the NFL.

Tyler Davis figures to get more reps against Philadelphia with Donald out. The third-year defensive lineman has eight combined tackles in three games this season.

There is good injury news for the Rams on offense with Puka Nacua expected to play Sunday after missing the last two games with a hip injury. Philadelphia could be without DeVonta Smith due to a hamstring injury.

The Rams, who entered the season as strong favorites to win the Super Bowl, have lost two of their first three games. Kickoff between the Rams and Eagles from Lincoln Financial Field is at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.