Retired defensive lineman Aaron Donald hasn’t yet said he’s returning for the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, but several signs are pointing toward a comeback.
Donald worked out with the Rams on Sunday, per the NFL’s transaction wire. It marks the second time he has practiced with the team this offseason.
Why Aaron Donald working out again is significant
2014 first-round pick Donald, who won three Defensive Player of the Year awards in 10 seasons with the Rams, wants to be more than a role player if he returns this upcoming season. The future Hall of Famer, who last played during the 2023 season, has clearly stayed in excellent physical condition but still needs time to knock off the rust. Working out with the team again this offseason allows him to continue doing so.
Donald may be preparing for his comeback, but it’s unclear if he would be ready for the Rams’ regular-season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10 in Melbourne (Netflix, 8:35 p.m. ET). Head coach Sean McVay didn’t say that was a target date for Donald after the team’s 20-12 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. He didn’t even say whether the defender had told him whether he’s returning.