Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald is expected to return to the field on Monday night when the team hosts the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium, while wide receiver Puka Nacua remains questionable due to a groin injury, coach Sean McVay said Saturday.

Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, announced his return after retiring following the 2023 season. McVay confirmed that Donald will play in the upcoming game, supporting the veteran's decision. “He said it, he’s going,” McVay said. “Whatever Aaron says I support.”

Nacua, who led the NFL in receptions last season and earned All-Pro honors, has not practiced recently and his participation against the Giants is uncertain. The receiver, who dealt with a psoas injury during the preseason, sustained a separate groin issue after catching five passes for 74 yards in the Rams’ opening game loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.

“He’s got a little bit of soreness in that groin, being smart with him as a skill player,” McVay explained. “This is a different thing.” After practicing on Thursday, Nacua did not participate in Friday’s session. McVay noted that while the player felt “good” on Thursday, he did not feel fully capable of opening up and hitting full speed.

The Rams are also monitoring other injury concerns among their receiving corps. Receiver Jordan Whittington, dealing with a quadriceps problem, is doubtful for Monday's matchup, while Tutu Atwell and rookie CJ Daniels were inactive during the initial game of the season. Safety Kamren Kinchens remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and will not be available for the Giants game, according to McVay.

The injury situation places added pressure on the Rams’ offense as they seek to rebound from their season-opening loss. The availability of key contributors like Nacua will be closely watched leading up to the Monday night contest.