Aaron Donald comeback a real possibility, may delay camp

Aaron Donald's NFL return is a "real possibility," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported, though the Los Angeles Rams star remains undecided and is testing whether he can regain football shape. If he comes back, he may skip the start of training camp and play a limited, spot role rather than every-down snaps.

Key Takeaways

• Rapoport called an Aaron Donald comeback a "real possibility," while saying Donald is still split on the decision.
• Bleacher Report's James Palmer said Donald is doing football workouts to gauge if he can return in 2026.
• If he unretires, Rapoport expects he may not report at the start of camp and would likely be a spot player.
• Interest spiked after the Rams traded for Myles Garrett; Donald told ESPN's Pat McAfee the deal "for sure" got him thinking.
• Former teammate Andrew Whitworth said if he were Donald's age, he would come back.

Is Aaron Donald really coming out of retirement?

Not yet. Per Rapoport, a return is a "real possibility," but Aaron Donald has not committed. Speculation grew after Los Angeles added Myles Garrett, with the Rams widely viewed as Super Bowl favorites.

Donald has fueled talk with Instagram training posts and a text to Pat McAfee saying the Garrett trade "for sure" had him considering a comeback. He has also spoken with Rams coach Sean McVay, who was excited about the idea, Yahoo Sports reported.

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What would an Aaron Donald return look like for the Rams?

Rapoport said there is "no real deadline" and that he does not expect the 35-year-old to show up for the start of Rams training camp. If Donald reports, it could be toward the end of camp or even into the season.

He would not be expected to play 50 or 60 snaps on defense. Rapoport described him as more of a "spot guy" if he returns, a limited role that would still be a major boost opposite Garrett. Between them, Yahoo Sports noted, the pair combine for 236.5 career sacks, five Defensive Player of the Year awards, and 17 Pro Bowl nods.

Details of that reporting are outlined by Yahoo Sports.

How is Aaron Donald preparing to decide?

Football shape is the next test. Rapoport said Donald has been lifting and looks in great condition on Instagram, but is starting football-specific work to see if he can get close to the player he was when he left after the 2023 season.

Palmer reported Donald is "putting himself through football workouts" and was spotted at the Rams' facilities. The Rams are not actively pursuing him or talking money, Palmer said, but the door is open. Veterans report July 25, which Palmer framed as a soft decision window.

Ex-Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth, now 44, told the Bleav Network he would unretire if he were Donald's age to play on this roster: "If I was his age, there's no question I'd be coming back." Whitworth himself is not returning.

Bottom line: Aaron Donald is seriously exploring a 2026 comeback, but workouts, timing, and role still have to line up before he steps back on the field.