Rams coach says Aaron Donald's return decision pending until after training camp relocation

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said he does not expect defensive tackle Aaron Donald to announce a comeback until the team resumes training at its Woodland Hills facility on Aug. 8. The Rams will spend the early part of camp at Loyola Marymount University, with the final session there slated for Aug. 7.

"There won't be any news on that front until we get back to Woodland Hills," McVay told reporters on Friday. "We've loosely had some different timelines that are kind of temporary. I want to keep those between us just if something unforeseen happens, out of respect for him and the situation. But I know this: Things are going in the right direction. And if there's an arrow, it's trending upwards."

McVay previously described Donald’s retirement decision as part of a "very strict, regimented process" to assess his physical readiness. The discussion resurfaced after the Rams acquired Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in June, prompting McVay to seek Donald’s input on the trade.

Garrett later said he would welcome Donald as a teammate if he returned, noting the challenges of a comeback and Donald’s family considerations.

Donald retired in March 2024 after setting the Rams’ franchise record with 111 career sacks.