Healthy Donald ready to lead Rams' rebuilding roster

Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald says he feels healthy after missing the final six regular-season games in 2022.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year underwent surgery to fix a left high ankle sprain sustained in a Week 13 contest versus the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the first injury that prevented Donald from taking the field in his career.

"It was different," Donald said when asked about the injury on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. "But I'm at 100% now, so that's all that matters. Feeling good, able to do everything I need to do to get myself to where I need to be."

Donald turned in a career-low five sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season. Although he was named a Pro Bowler for the ninth time in his career, his seven-year first-team All-Pro streak came to an end.

L.A. dealt with numerous injuries to key players in 2022 that resulted in a 5-12 season. Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp were just a couple of the names that missed significant stretches alongside Donald. It was a disappointing follow-up after the Rams won Super Bowl LVI.

The Rams' roster will look much different in 2023 after stars Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner, and Leonard Floyd departed the club in the offseason as the team attempts to clear salary cap space.

Donald understands that the attrition of key contributors is merely part of the business.

"Obviously, it is different than what we've seen in the past few years, but a lot of young guys will have to step up," he said. "I have to be a huge part to help us have success."

He expressed eagerness to welcome the young additions to the roster. After reports that he contemplated retirement, Donald says it "never really crossed my mind."

The Pitt product is set to enter his 10th season with the Rams. Donald, who turns 32 later this month, remains the highest-paid defender in the league with an average annual salary of $31.6 million, per Over the Cap.