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Aaron Donald Takes Official Rams Workout Toward Possible NFL Return
Former three‑time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, 35, participated in an official workout at the Los Angeles Rams’ Woodland Hills training complex on August 5, 2026. The session was logged on the league’s daily transaction wire, and because Donald used Rams equipment the team was required to report the activity to the NFL. Donald worked out in a helmet but did not wear full pads, saying he wanted to gauge his physical readiness.
Rams head coach Sean McVay called the tryout “the best tryout we’ve ever had” and said “things are going in the right direction,” noting that Donald looked great and is continuing his personal process. No contract or roster decision has been made; the Rams said they will wait indefinitely for Donald to decide whether to end his 2½‑year retirement. If he returns, he would need to apply for reinstatement from the league’s retired list and negotiate a new deal, as $30 million remains on his previous contract while the team has about $16.4 million in cap space. The workout follows the Rams’ June trade for fellow pass‑rusher Myles Garrett, which has heightened speculation about a possible defensive‑line reunion.
Entities
Aaron Donald · Los Angeles Rams · Myles Garrett · National Football League · National Football League (NFL) · Sean McVay
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] If Donald returns, he must file for reinstatement with the NFL and negotiate a new contract with the Rams.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The workout was not for the Rams to evaluate him.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Rams reported Donald’s workout to the NFL because it used team equipment.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Rams have paid out the guarantees from Donald’s previous contract after his retirement.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Aaron Donald retired after the 2023 NFL season.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Rams acquired Myles Garrett in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on June 2.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Coach Sean McVay said the situation is “trending upward” and no decision will be made until the team returns to Woodland Hills.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Aaron Donald worked out at the Los Angeles Rams facility during training camp on Wednesday, wearing a helmet and pads.