By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-06 01:36:05 | Updated at 2026-08-06 12:39:43
14 hours ago
Aaron Donald moved a huge step closer to making a sensational return to the NFL by working out for the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old, a Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL defensive player of the year, initially retired from the NFL following the 2023 campaign.
He had spent his entire career with the Rams - first in St. Louis and later in Los Angeles - and on Wednesday, the NFL wire revealed that Donald was back at Rams HQ.
According to ESPN, the defensive tackle did not wear pads but wanted to use a football helmet for the workout. So because he used Rams equipment at the team's facility during training camp, Los Angeles was required to report his session to the NFL.
The news will only heighten anticipation about Donald's possible return. The defensive tackle amassed a host of individual accolades during his NFL career and helped Sean McVay's team win Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
The Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals on home soil, securing a 23-20 win at SoFi Stadium. The Super Bowl will return to LA at the end of the 2026 season.
Aaron Donald moved a step closer to making an NFL return by working out for the LA Rams
Donald previously said he needs to see if he can 'find the fire' after two years away
'He's taken great care of himself in the two years that he's been off,' coach Sean McVay said
Earlier this summer, Donald fueled talk of a possible comeback when he reported told NFL insider Jordan Schultz: 'I'm for sure flirting with the idea. Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi [Stadium] this year. If I can find the fire, it's a possibility.'
Pat McAfee, meanwhile, claimed Donald sent him a text to say the Rams' decision to trade for Myles Garrett 'for sure got me thinking about a return.'
Back in June, Los Angeles sent former defensive rookie of the year Jared Verse, a first-round pick, a second-round pick and a third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for reigning defensive player of the year Garrett.
The arrival of Garrett only strengthened a team that is odds-on to claim the Lombardi Trophy next February.
Earlier this week, McVay was asked for an update on Donald's possible return. The Rams head coach told Sports Central LA: 'The latest is he's putting himself in a position to make a decision. He's working hard, he's feeling good.'
McVay continued: 'He's taken great care of himself in the two years that he's been off... he's feeling good so far. I think we'll have a little bit more of an update once we leave here and get back to Woodland Hills.
'But things are looking positive. But again, he doesn't owe us anything. We'll take it a day at a time.'
