The Rams are entering the final stretch before the season opener with one big question still hanging over the roster: Aaron Donald has not made up his mind.
With 16 days left before Los Angeles opens the year, the team is preparing two versions of its 53-man roster - one that includes the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and one that doesn’t. Coach Sean McVay said Tuesday the club is planning for both outcomes while Donald weighs whether to return.
McVay has avoided setting a hard deadline, but the clock is clearly ticking. If Donald chooses to come back, the next step will be figuring out how to bring him along.
“If he decides he wants to be able to do it, then the next conversations are: What is your ramp-up?” McVay said Tuesday, via Benjamin Royer of the ocregister.com. “What does it look like to approach whenever that would be the first time that we think we make the most sense for him to impact and make a positive change with us?
“We’ve had to have a lot of fluidity and flexibility, and that’s what I’ve had to learn over 10 years. But I think what’s good is the thing that has served us well - and it’s really the truth - is let’s just stay one day at a time.”
Donald’s comeback discussions started after the Rams traded for two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Donald has not played in the NFL since 2023.
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