Again at the beginning of August, a number of NFL reporters made it appear as if it was a lock that defensive famous person Aaron Donald would ultimately affirm he’s popping out of retirement to return to the Los Angeles Rams‘ energetic roster for the 2026 season.
Nevertheless, Donald nonetheless hadn’t publicly confirmed his plans because the Rams wrapped up their preseason with a 20-18 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night time. Following that victory. Rams head coach Sean McVay prompt that he actually does not know Donald’s intentions.
Aaron Donald’s standing for 2026 season continues to be “up within the air”
“I feel all of these issues are up within the air,” McVay mentioned, per Michael David Smith of Professional Soccer Speak. “I want I had a bit bit higher means to provide you some readability, nevertheless it’s actually a kind of offers that, what we’re doing, we’re specializing in this soccer group.”
McVay’s feedback might lead one to imagine that he’s getting pissed off about not but realizing whether or not Donald can be on the Rams’ squad when initial 53-man rosters are due by this coming Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. That mentioned, McVay beforehand acknowledged that the Rams have “plans” for a 53-man roster with and with out Donald.
In the meantime, Donald might full extra workouts earlier than he makes a last resolution about his availability. It sounds just like the Rams are nonetheless comfy with Donald taking his time and going by his course of.
Rams “completely” nonetheless need Aaron Donald on their energetic roster
“Aaron is aware of that if he needs to have the ability to try this, that’s one thing that we completely need to have the ability to entertain and determine, and that’s actually all there may be to it proper now,” McVay added throughout his feedback.
The model of Donald who earned Defensive Participant of the 12 months Award honors on three events is broadly seen as one of many biggest defensive gamers in NFL historical past. Nevertheless, the 35-year-old hasn’t performed in a recreation since he retired in March 2024, so, understandably, he needs to be completely positive he’s prepared to place himself by all that comes with collaborating in a grueling season.
One theory is that Donald does not wish to journey for the Rams’ regular-season opener versus the rival San Francisco 49ers
in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10 (U.S. time). Thus, he may start the season on the bodily unable to carry out listing after which doubtlessly play within the Week 2 residence recreation towards the New York Giants on Sept. 21.
