Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald Downgraded to Questionable vs. Washington Commanders

Could the Los Angeles Rams be without defensive tackle Aaron Donald against the Washington Commanders?

As the 6-7 Los Angeles Rams try to remain in the postseason mix Sunday afternoon against the Washington Commanders, the status of perhaps the greatest player in franchise history is in flux. 

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was downgraded to questionable for Sunday's game against the Commanders, the Rams announced Saturday afternoon. Donald is dealing with groin tightness, according to the update. 

Could the Los Angeles Rams be without defensive tackle Aaron Donald for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders?  :: Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today

Obviously, it goes without saying that if the three-time Defensive Player of the Year isn't able to give it a go Sunday, that would be a massive loss for coach Sean McVay and company. 

The 32-year-old Donald may no longer be at the height of his powers, but he remains one of the best defensive linemen in the sport. In his 10th NFL season, Donald has 43 combined tackles, 21 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for a loss and six sacks across 13 games. 

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Los Angeles is favored by 6.5 points over the Commanders, so if Donald had to miss a game in the midst of a postseason push, this may be the best one. The worst outcome here would be for Donald to play Sunday and further aggravate his groin. 

But the Rams need to take care of business the next three games against the Commanders, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, because they finish their regular-season slate against the San Francisco 49ers.

If the 49ers have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC by Week 18, perhaps the Rams will get to play against their backups. But you don't want to be on the outside looking in heading into a tilt against the 49ers, who most view as the best team in the sport currently.