Rams Coach McVay: Aaron Donald Not Returning Soon

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay just dropped a bombshell. The long-rumored return of Aaron Donald is not happening soon, if at all. NFL insiders have been buzzing about it, but the reality on the ground looks different.

McVay was asked for an update after the team's first preseason game last Saturday. He initially said he didn't want to talk much. Then he talked for 361 words. We counted them. That is a lot of time for one topic, yet it all came down to this simple statement: "We are not at that point quite yet."

This might shock you because we have seen multiple reports claiming Donald will return. Some say he plans to announce his intentions once the Rams get back to their Woodland Hills training facility on August 7. Other stories suggest there is a catch. One report from August 5 noted that Donald wants to be as good as he always was before stepping out. He does not want to look diminished in what could seem like a selfish chase for a Super Bowl ring instead of being a valuable addition to a contender.

McVay confirmed those details Saturday night. "I think he earned the right to be able to say he knows himself," McVay told reporters. "Am I able to stack back-to-back days? Am I able to do some of the different things?" He is talking about the benchmarks Donald set for his own body and mind.

The Rams want Donald back. There is no doubt about that. But saying it is certain would be wrong. If Donald says yes or no, McVay believes he has earned the right to have clarity on that decision. "We are not at that point quite yet," the coach repeated.

"I am hopeful that it will be sooner rather than later," McVay said. He wants to respect when Donald feels ready. There is a chance they could be closer to that moment soon, but he does not want to put an invisible deadline on something that does not exist in his mind for Donald. The 35-year-old veteran has been away from the game since 2023. His body and health come first.