McVay Sets Aug. 8 Timeline for Aaron Donald Return Decision

Rams coach Sean McVay expects Aaron Donald to decide on his retirement status after the team returns to Woodland Hills on August 8.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who retired in March 2024 with a franchise-record 111 career sacks, is currently undergoing a strict and regimented training process to determine his availability for the upcoming season. Head coach Sean McVay stated on Friday that he does not expect a definitive decision from the three-time Defensive Player of the Year until the team concludes its stay at Loyola Marymount University. The Rams are scheduled to finish the first portion of training camp at the LMU campus on August 7 before transitioning back to their permanent practice facility in Woodland Hills, California.

August 8 Decision Window

McVay confirmed that no news regarding the defensive tackle's status will be released until the organization returns to its Woodland Hills facility on August 8. While the coaching staff has established temporary internal timelines for this process, McVay declined to disclose specific dates to account for unforeseen circumstances. The head coach emphasized that the current trajectory is positive, noting that "things are going in the right direction" and describing the situation as "trending upwards."

Impact of the Myles Garrett Trade

Discussions regarding a potential comeback began in June following the Rams' acquisition of reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. McVay initially reached out to Donald to seek his professional opinion during the trade negotiations for Garrett, which sparked the initial conversation about the veteran returning to the active roster. Garrett addressed the situation on Wednesday, expressing his desire to partner with Donald on the defensive line. The former Cleveland Brown noted that while he does not want to pressure Donald, he believes the duo "can do great things" if they become teammates.

Physical Evaluation and Training Regimen

Donald is currently monitoring how his body responds to a high-intensity training program designed to simulate the rigors of an NFL season. This physical testing phase is the primary factor in his decision-making process. Garrett acknowledged the difficulty of returning to professional football after a hiatus, citing Donald's family commitments as a significant component of the deliberation. Donald's last active season was in 2023, after which he ended his initial tenure as the most prolific pass rusher in Rams history.

Training Camp Logistics

The Rams' summer schedule is split between two locations, with the current phase taking place at Loyola Marymount University. The shift to the Woodland Hills facility marks the end of the early camp period and serves as the functional deadline for roster clarity regarding retired players. McVay’s Friday update serves as the first major status report since he initially detailed Donald’s regimented comeback process last week. The team continues to operate under the assumption that Donald will prioritize his physical feedback before committing to a return alongside Garrett for the 2026 campaign.