Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay offered a limited progress report on retired star Aaron Donald on Tuesday, noting the defensive tackle’s workouts remain productive while stressing that any choice about ending his time away from the NFL is still far from settled.
McVay spoke with reporters following the team’s third training-camp session at Loyola Marymount University.
The coach confirmed he continues discussions with the 35-year-old standout as Donald weighs a possible return for what would be an 11th professional season after stepping away for two and a half years.
“We’ve kept in contact,” McVay said. “He’s feeling good. His training is going really well, but no new news on the front of any imminent decision on whether or not he’s going to play or not.”
Donald stepped away from the Rams somewhat suddenly in March 2024 after a decade of exceptional play that included multiple Defensive Player of the Year honors and consistent All-Pro recognition.
He has remained a frequent presence around the organization since then, regularly stopping by the team’s main complex in Woodland Hills.
When asked whether Donald is currently using that facility for his preparation, McVay responded carefully and with a touch of humor.
“He’s got places that he can train at,” McVay said. “He’s not here with us (at Loyola Marymount). There’s nobody at the Rams facility right now, so maybe TMZ knows the answer to that.”
Photographs and reports have previously shown Donald at the Woodland Hills site, yet the coach declined to confirm any recent activity there.
Team officials have consistently stated they are prepared to wait as long as necessary while Donald assesses his physical condition and readiness for the demands of another full season.
Interest in a potential comeback appears to have increased after the Rams acquired reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in a trade earlier this summer. Pairing the two elite pass rushers on the same defensive line would create one of the most formidable fronts in the league if Donald ultimately decides to resume his career.
McVay has previously emphasized that the choice rests entirely with Donald and that the organization would work to facilitate a return if the former All-Pro feels prepared.
Donald left the game with one year remaining on his previous contract, meaning any reactivation would require the sides to address salary and roster details. For now, the Rams continue camp without him while monitoring the situation closely.
McVay’s latest remarks offered little concrete timeline, only reassurance that communication remains open and that Donald’s current conditioning efforts are progressing positively.
Whether that process eventually leads the future Hall of Famer back onto the field remains an open question as the team builds toward the 2026 season.
