McVay: Retired Aaron Donald in 'Regimented Process' for Possible Rams Return
The Rams coach says the future Hall of Famer is testing how his body responds before deciding whether to unretire, with Myles Garrett's arrival fueling the speculation.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay says retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald is going through a "very strict, regimented process" to decide whether he wants to return this season. Donald retired in March 2024 after 10 NFL seasons, but the Rams' trade for Myles Garrett in June has fueled renewed speculation about a possible comeback.
What is Donald actually doing?
McVay described the process as "similar to what he did when he played," with Donald testing how his body responds and feels before making any decision. No timeline for that decision has been set publicly, and McVay was careful not to characterize it as anything more than Donald evaluating his own readiness.
Would the Rams welcome him back?
McVay left no ambiguity on that front. "If he decides he wants to play, we are going to try to be able to make that happen," he said. Pairing a returning Donald with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, whom the Rams acquired via trade in June, would give Los Angeles one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the league.
Where does this stand as camp opens?
No decision has been made, and Donald's future remains unresolved as the Rams open training camp. According to NFL Network's Steve Wyche, the general sense around the league is that Donald will ultimately return to Los Angeles, though he has not confirmed anything himself. The situation is expected to keep drawing attention throughout camp until Donald makes his call.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Retired Donald in 'regimented process' for possible Rams return
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