The Rams are kicking off training camp without defensive tackle Aaron Donald on the roster, but let’s be real, his ghost is absolutely haunting those practice fields. Coach Sean McVay just gave us the lowdown in his first press conference of the summer, and while he’s playing it cool, the uncertainty around a Donald comeback is buzzing through the league. This isn’t just a casual thought; Donald’s been mulling a return for a while now, after two years away from the game, and the big draw? Playing alongside new Ram Myles Garrett. Can you even imagine that duo?
Donald’s “Process” Has Everyone On Edge
So, what’s the deal? McVay confirmed the Rams are staying in contact with Donald, taking it “a day at a time.” That’s coach-speak for “we have no idea, but we’re hoping like crazy.” The real crunch point for Donald is whether he’s physically ready to jump back into the brutal demands of the NFL. After two years away, that’s a massive hurdle, even for a player of his caliber. McVay’s putting it squarely on Donald: “He is going through his process. He is putting himself in a position to make a decision and he’s earned the right to be able to do that.” It tells you everything you need to know: this isn’t a team decision, it’s all on Donald’s body and mind. The Rams are literally waiting on him, and who wouldn’t?
What McVay’s Words Mean For The Rams’ Season
McVay made it clear: if Donald wants back in, the Rams are going to make it happen. “If that is something he wants to do, we’re going to try to make that happen,” McVay said. But there’s already talk that even if he does return, it might not be for the very start of the season. That’s a huge wildcard for the Rams, who are trying to integrate Myles Garrett and build their defense. McVay reiterated, “He’s gonna go through what he’s going through right now. We’ll see how his body’s responding to some of the training and the way he puts himself through the paces to know what it looks and feels like to take on what the rigors o” – the rigors of an NFL season are no joke. That last bit, about his body responding to training, is the whole ballgame.
The next few weeks are going to be wild for the Rams as Donald continues his personal training. Every single day, fans will be holding their breath for any news on whether he feels physically ready. If he decides to come back, the league immediately notices a seismic shift for the Rams’ defense. If not, they’ll have to adjust fast. Either way, this situation is setting the tone for their whole early season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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