No waiting: Donald starts
After only three practices, the Rams’ All-Pro defensive lineman will be in lineup Sunday.
Throughout Aaron Donald’s prolonged holdout, Rams teammates noted that the star defensive lineman was no doubt at home in Pittsburgh working out and keeping himself in shape.
Donald appeared fit after reporting to the team facility this week, but there was still a question about how long it would take him to get into football shape. Not long, apparently. After practicing only three times, Donald will start Sunday against the Washington Redskins, coach Sean McVay said Friday.
“As far as how we approach that game, that’s something that we’ll figure out in the next 48 hours,” McVay said. “But he’s going to go unless something changes between then.
“The snap count and how many plays he plays is yet to be determined.”
Donald’s return has further buoyed a defense that dominated the Indianapolis Colts without him in last week’s 46-9 victory.
Donald reported Saturday, worked out Monday and then practiced for the first time Wednesday. He went through a full-pads practice Thursday and another practice Friday.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection will be part of a pass-rushing front that includes tackle Michael Brockers and linebackers Robert Quinn and Connor Barwin.
Ethan Westbrooks, Tyrunn Walker and rookie Tanzel Smart are expected to play in a rotation with Donald, who has 28 career sacks.
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said there is a difference between being in shape and being in football shape.
“You’re carrying a lot more weight with pads on and so forth,” Phillips said. “But, he doesn’t seem to be bothered too much by the reps we’re giving him in practice.” Tag, you’re it
As a franchise-tagged player for the second season in a row, Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson shares a bond of sorts with Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins.
That’s one reason why Johnson is looking forward to facing Cousins.
“He’s tagged twice,” Johnson said Friday, “so I know how that is.”
Cousins is earning nearly $24 million this season, Johnson nearly $17 million.
Both could become unrestricted agents at the end of the season.
Johnson began making his case for a huge deal in the opener. He returned an interception for a touchdown and also caused and recovered a fumble.
Johnson was selected NFC defensive player of the week, the first time the sixth-year pro earned that recognition.
“I’m going to take it and run with it,” Johnson said. “That’s way more motivation to go out there and do it again and help us win games.”
Johnson was disappointed he was not offered a longterm deal by the Rams.
But he has apparently put that behind him — or used it to fuel his free-agency drive. Players voted Johnson a team captain, and McVay and defensive coordinator Phillips have praised his work ethic and example.
“Getting that captain is an honor, especially from my teammates, and makes me want to do even better,” Johnson said.
In Week 1, Cousins completed 23 of 40 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown, with one interception, in a 30-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
“He makes good reads, gets the ball out of his hands, and he’s an athlete too,” Johnson said. “A lot of guys sleep on that aspect of his game. He likes to extend plays.” Just for kicks
Johnny Hekker is punting with a new deal, and a new spin.
The Rams last week signed Hekker to a two-year contract extension through the 2022 season. The twoyear extension includes $10 million in guarantees.
“I didn’t know that we were close on getting more years added on to that deal,” Hekker said. “It was a deal where I was patient with it, I was very happy with the situation I was in, but to get the numbers bumped up is great.”
Hekker, ranked first in the NFL in punting yards the last two seasons, spent the last year perfecting a technique introduced to him by Australian Nick Porebski, who punts for Hekkers’ alma mater, Oregon State.
“Nick said, ‘Check out this kick, mate,’ ” Hekker recalled. “And it was amazing.”
Porebski taught Hekker to hold the ball perpendicular over his foot, instead of parallel, to create a sideways spin in the air.
“It’s really effective, as far as being able to kind of show you’re going one way and then getting it to curve and go the other way,” Hekker said.
Hekker, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, tested the technique during the preseason before he booted a 38-yard punt against the Colts. The punt went out of bounds at the seven-yard line — and it also went viral on Twitter.
“It was a fun one,” Hekker said, adding that he wouldn’t hesitate to attempt the kick again if the situation called for it. “I also like to just boom it, hit it the regular way.” Etc.
Cornerback Kayvon Webster was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday’s game because of a shoulder injury. If he does not play, Nickell Robey-Coleman would start in his place.