Rams coach says Aaron Donald's return will be evaluated day by day
Head coach Sean McVay said the Los Angeles Rams will assess defensive tackle Aaron Donald's readiness each day and has not set a timeline for his participation, including a possible game in Australia.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters that the team will take a "day-by-day" approach to determining when defensive tackle Aaron Donald can return to game action after his recent comeback. McVay said the first step is getting Donald back on the practice field and re-acclimated to teammates and coaches before deciding whether he will be available for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers or a later game in Australia.
"I’m not going to talk about any sort of plans, it’s going to be a day at a time for us," McVay said at the Sunday press conference. "What does that mean for Australia? ... we’ll see what that ramp-up period looks like, whether or not he’s available or whether or not we think it’s best to play him in Australia."
McVay added that the team is excited to have Donald back and emphasized the personal significance of his return, noting the long-standing relationships among players and coaches. He explained that Donald needed time to work through his workouts and assess his physical condition before feeling comfortable rejoining the lineup.
"It’s way bigger than football. There’s a lot of history, a lot of experiences that we’ve shared, a lot of love for each other’s families," McVay said. "He’s one of one."
The Rams have not provided a specific timetable for Donald's participation, indicating that any decision will depend on his progress in practice and overall health.