The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up the 2026 preseason with a victory against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, setting their sights on the upcoming regular season. However, uncertainty looms about whether their eight-time All-Pro defensive tackle will return from retirement.
Sean McVay mentioned on Thursday that the Aaron Donald situation remains “up in the air“, with less than two weeks until the Rams face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, as reported by Pro Football Talk.
“I think all of those things are up in the air,” McVay explained. “I wish I could offer a bit more clarity, but it’s really a situation where we are focused on our football team. Aaron knows that if he wants to return, that’s something we would certainly be open to discussing, and that’s all we have for now.”
At 35, Donald hasn’t played since the 2023 season, but he has shown interest in making a comeback in 2026. He even participated in a “tryout” with the Rams that reportedly went well, with McVay stating the former All-Pro “looked outstanding” during the session.
Since that tryout, no further updates on Donald’s status have emerged. However, with the clock ticking, he must decide soon whether he will don his pads again in pursuit of another championship.
Former Rams center Andrew Whitworth expressed his belief that Donald will play in 2026. Speaking on Prime before the preseason matchup between the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, he commented that anyone who puts on a helmet and hits a sled is likely to return to the field.
“Oh, I think he’s playing,” Whitworth said. “You need to work through all the details involved. But if you put a helmet on and hit a sled, you’re playing football. That’s just how it is—eventually, you’ll figure it out.”
If Donald chooses to return, he may not have much time to prepare for the start of the 2026 regular season. However, given Donald’s unmatched work ethic and rigorous training regimen, he could be in better shape than anyone anticipates.
For most players, making a comeback so close to the season and expecting significant playing time in Week 1 would be challenging. Yet for someone as extraordinarily talented as Donald, the possibilities remain endless if he decides to lace up his cleats once more.