Former Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald has moved a step closer to a possible return to the NFL after officially participating in a workout with the franchise on Wednesday. The session, conducted at the Rams’ Woodland Hills facility, marked one of the final stages before the veteran defensive tackle decides whether to end his 2½-year retirement.
The 35-year-old defensive lineman has been training at both the Rams’ facility and at home for several weeks as he works toward regaining NFL playing condition. Wednesday’s workout was listed on the league’s official transactions wire, which records workouts involving free agents before potential roster signings.
Rams Encouraged by Donald’s Workout
Defensive line coach Giff Smith attended Donald’s workout, while defensive coordinator Chris Shula shared an encouraging update from the team’s training camp. Although Shula did not provide specific details about Donald’s performance, he indicated that the workout had gone well and emphasized that the player’s physical condition remained the primary focus.
“I heard it was good,” Shula said with a smile. “It was more (about) how he felt. … Obviously, we’d be really excited about that. You’re getting one of the best players of all time. I have a great history with him. We know what a great guy he is, what a hard worker he is and what he would mean to this defense. We’re going to coach the guys that are here, and if he decides to come back, that would be great.”
The Rams have repeatedly made it clear they are willing to give Donald as much time as he needs before making a final decision on his future. Head coach Sean McVay has recently expressed cautious optimism that the future Hall of Famer could return for the upcoming season.
Prospect of Donald and Garrett Excites Rams
A potential comeback would create one of the NFL’s most formidable defensive fronts by pairing Donald with reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who joined the Rams earlier this year.
Garrett returned to practice on Monday after missing four training sessions because of lower-body soreness. While he has not yet discussed Donald’s comeback plans directly with the veteran defensive tackle, Garrett said he hopes to meet with him soon.
“Hopefully we’ll link up here soon and I’ll see where his head is at, and just break bread with him as well,” Garrett said. “I don’t know how he’s feeling. I don’t know where he is in this process, but it is a process, coming back from so much time off. I’m not going to push him either way. Just get a feel of it.”
As training camp progresses, the Rams continue to wait for Donald’s decision while preparing for the season with the current roster. Team officials have maintained that any return will happen only when the eight-time All-Pro believes he is physically and mentally ready to compete again.
Decision Expected After Rams Complete Training Camp
While optimism has grown within the organization regarding Donald’s potential return, head coach Sean McVay recently indicated that the Rams are not expecting an immediate decision. According to McVay, the franchise anticipates hearing from Donald after the team concludes its training camp at Loyola Marymount University.
The Rams are scheduled to resume preparations at their Woodland Hills facility on Saturday before holding four additional practices next week. They will then turn their attention to their preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, with Donald’s future expected to become clearer during that period.
Donald Retired After a Decorated Rams Career
Donald announced his retirement in March 2024, bringing to an end a remarkable 10-year NFL career spent entirely with the Los Angeles Rams. During his time with the franchise, he established himself as one of the greatest defensive players in league history.
The defensive tackle won the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times, earned eight First-Team All-Pro selections and was chosen for the Pro Bowl on 10 occasions. He also played a central role in helping the Rams capture a Super Bowl title, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished defenders of his generation.
Myles Garrett’s Arrival Sparked Comeback Talk
According to the AP report, Donald began considering a return to football early last month after the Rams acquired star pass rusher Myles Garrett. The opportunity to line up alongside another elite defensive player has fueled speculation that Donald could return for one more season.
Garrett, who entered the NFL in 2017, has built an outstanding career of his own. The 30-year-old won two of the previous three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards during his time with the Cleveland Browns. He has also received five All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowl honors and set the NFL’s single-season sacks record last year.
Garrett Praises Donald’s Legacy
Although Garrett and Donald have played different roles along the defensive line, Garrett said he has admired the veteran throughout his career and highlighted both his technical ability and athleticism.
“Just the way he practiced his craft. You’ve seen the videos in which he’s going 100 percent. His footwork is impeccable, but he also has get-off that’s similar to an end… He just has an outstanding feel for the game as well as being a freak athletically,” Garrett said.
As the Rams continue preparing for the new season, Donald’s decision remains one of the biggest storylines surrounding the franchise. Should he choose to return, Los Angeles could field one of the NFL’s most formidable defensive units, combining Donald’s experience with Garrett’s dominant pass-rushing ability.
