AP Photo/Kyusung Gong
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald will not play in the Pro Bowl after a high ankle sprain cost him the final six games of the regular season. Washington Commanders defensive tackle Darren Payne will fill Donald’s place. In his 11 games, he had 49 tackles, 11 QB hits and five sacks. The former Pitts star is also a seven-time Pro and three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year Award winner and Super Bowl champions.
Donald may not be at the Pro Bowl on February 5th in Las Vegas, but we know he will be 2023 for his 10th NFL season.
News about Donald dropped after a change to his Twitter biography led to speculation that he might retire. However, he quickly changed back.
Dov Kleiman @NFL_DovKleiman
UPDATE: Aaron Donald has now changed his resume back. pic.twitter.com/mvuRmFy9aW
Donald later confirmed former Rams teammate Chris Lang’s public comments that he would not hang up his cleats.
AD_99 @AaronDonald97 Tell them C Lo yes I played and never said I wasn’t 🤦🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
Good news for the Rams who finished 5-12 after both sides were battered by injuries, with QB Matt Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp also sidelined for the end of the season .
As for Payne, he was a worthy Pro Bowl participant with 11.5 sacks, 64 tackles Ball and 20 quarterback hits. It marked his first Pro Bowl honor in a five-year career.
