Aaron Donald is moving closer to a potential return to professional football. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year was spotted working out with the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, more than two years after his initial retirement, sparking intense speculation about a formal comeback. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the session was officially logged with the league office because Donald utilized team equipment and wore a helmet, though he did not wear pads.
Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed the session, noting that it was conducted within the necessary parameters. While McVay previously stated that a decision would not be reached during training camp, he did mention that the situation is moving in the right direction. Run game coordinator and defensive line coach Giff Smith reportedly described the session as the greatest tryout he has ever witnessed.
The possibility of a return has generated significant excitement, particularly regarding the potential for Donald to line up alongside Myles Garrett, whom the Rams acquired in a blockbuster trade after he set the single-season sack record with 23 in his final year in Cleveland. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho commented on the prospect of such a pairing on the show "Speakeasy," stating that if both players were on the field simultaneously, opposing offensive lines would essentially be handicapped.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula acknowledged that he has considered the impact of a potential return. Shula noted that while the team is building its defense step by step, the potential addition of Donald would not disrupt the current process. The Rams, who have also added All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to a defensive unit already featuring Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, and Byron Young, are set to open their season against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
McVay last week said that no decision would come during training camp, although he said things were "going in the right direction."Also Read: "Aaron Donald's return is real": Terron Armstead drops bombshell on Rams icon considering unretirementAlso Read: "Headed in that direction": NFL insider Ian Rapoport weighs in on Rams HC Sean McVay's comment about Aaron Donald's return to NFLCoordinator sees possibilities with bringing back Aaron DonaldFormer Pittsburgh Panther and retired NFL defensive tackle Aaron Donald waves to the crowd while walking out onto the field – Source: ImagnDefensive coordinator Chris Shula addressed the possibility of Aaron Donald's return on Wednesday."I think I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it a little bit," Shula said.
"We're putting in the core of our defense right now.
