The Aaron Donald comeback story continues to have legs as we approach training camp.
Rumors of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year returning sprung up as soon as the Los Angeles Rams made the Myles Garrett trade. So far, there has been no concrete indication one way or the other, even as speculation tends to indicate that Donald will indeed rejoin the Rams at some point this offseason.
In an interview with Jason LaCanfora on The Daily Flock podcast, trainer Sean McVay said Donald is still going through the stages of making a decision.
“I’ve had a chance to meet Aaron Donald,” McVay said. “What’s special is that we have a very special relationship. It’s much bigger than football. I’ve heard him say it before, and it means the world to me – and I feel the same – it’s our family. He’s done so much for me. I love the man he is. I love the husband, the father, the son – he represents a lot of what’s right.
“And what he’s going to do is he’s thinking about it. He’s going to go through the process. And the thing about Aaron Donald is that what he does, he does it full speed.”
McVay’s comments line up with reports suggesting that before announcing his comeback, Donald wants to get into something as close to football shape as he can. After two seasons without football, the 10-time Pro Bowler wants to make sure he can still play at a certain level before committing to a return.
The Rams, who enter training camp on Saturday, will wait patiently for Donald to make up his mind. They don’t need a 35-year-old in camp. Frankly, they can afford to wait into the season to give him as much time as he needs. If Donald does return, it wouldn’t be with the thought of him playing a full slate of 50 or so hit games. If he’s able to dominate 25-30 pitch reps as a rotation player, that would be enough.
LA won’t press Donald for a decision anytime soon. The goal isn’t Week 1. The Rams’ eyes are on the Super Bowl. Donald’s comeback, if it happens, will be with January in mind.