Malik Nabers Makes Stunning Return After Injury in Giants Loss

The Rams return home for Monday Night Football against the Giants, 11 days after losing 27-7 to the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. Los Angeles is favored by 7.5 points despite its 0-1 record.

• Matthew Stafford completed 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards with one interception in Week 1.
• Myles Garrett had arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss at least four games.
• Aaron Donald, 35, returns from a two-year retirement and is expected to start Monday.
• Puka Nacua is listed as questionable with a hip injury after missing two practices.

Why it matters: The result will offer the clearest signal yet on whether Los Angeles is a legitimate Super Bowl contender or a flawed roster that underperformed before the season started.

• Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions last season; his absence would reshape how the Rams attack New York's secondary.
• The 49ers beat Miami 35-13 in Week 2, making the Rams' opening loss look less embarrassing — but the Giants beat Dallas 28-20.

How 13 sources split on this story

Where they split: Coverage splits on whether the Week 1 loss reflects real roster problems or was an artifact of an unusual travel schedule.

What’s next: Nacua's status will be confirmed at or near kickoff Monday night.

• Donald's performance in his first start since January 2024 will be closely watched.
• Can the Rams' offensive line protect Stafford well enough to establish a passing rhythm?
• Will Garrett's absence allow opponents to focus defensive attention on a returning, possibly rusty Donald?
• Is the Giants' 1-0 start a sign of real growth under John Harbaugh or a product of a weak opening matchup?