As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for their season opener against the Detroit Lions, head coach Sean McVay is facing a significant change: this will be the first time he will coach the team for an entire season without standout defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The team is adjusting to this gap in their defensive setup just days before the game.

McVay expressed his hopes for the players, stating, “I want them to play at their best, just as they have during the offseason and training camp. I want them to play within themselves and enjoy the game.” He emphasized that while Donald’s role cannot be replaced, he has confidence in his current team.

Even after Donald announced his retirement in March, he continues to influence the Rams. McVay shares stories about Donald with the team, and the future Hall of Famer recently visited the players as they prepared for Week 1.

“We were incredibly lucky to have Aaron Donald as part of our team. He set a remarkable example for all the players who witnessed his performance,” McVay noted, adding that he often references Donald’s achievements in conversations with the team. “He was here last week, which was great.”

McVay acknowledged that he misses the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who played a pivotal role in the Rams’ victory in Super Bowl 56. However, he is pleased that Donald is relishing his retired life.

“It’s wonderful that he has achieved a sense of fulfillment. He’s coaching his son’s football team and enjoys being engaged in that,” McVay said. “His son Aaric also had an amazing birthday celebration recently. I’m thrilled for Aaron and do miss him, but I’m eager to see our guys make their mark this season.”

In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Rams picked pass rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske to help fill the gap left by Donald. Both rookies are expected to take on starting roles in the team’s base 3-4 defensive scheme. The Rams are also counting on returning defensive tackles Kobie Turner, who led the team with nine sacks last season, and Bobby Brown to make significant contributions.

“I want each player to be themselves — Kobie should be Kobie, Bobby should be Bobby, and Braden should be Braden,” McVay commented. “That’s what we’re aiming for.”

On the offensive side, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, is back to full health after missing five games last season.

“He’s done an excellent job getting back into shape and is feeling great. He’s able to run and perform all the tasks that make him Cooper Kupp,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. “I’m really happy for him and how well he’s doing.”

Kupp’s return is a positive development for the Rams, but as McVay mentioned, the absence of Aaron Donald will certainly be felt in the 2024 season and beyond.

Follow YSL News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.