Aug. 1, 2026, 12:10 a.m. ET
Aaron Donald’s return continues to feel like a strong possibility for the Los Angeles Rams, who are viewed as the favorite to win Super Bowl 61.
Head coach Sean McVay provided another reason for the fan base to be hopeful about Donald’s return, stating that “it’s trending upward.”
The coach also offered up a timeline for Donald to make a decision.
McVay said the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl 56 champion is not likely to make his decision until the team returns to Woodland Hills, California, as it’s currently practicing at Loyola Marymount through Aug. 7.
“There won’t be any news on that front until we get back to Woodland Hills,” McVay told reporters Friday, July 31, per ESPN. “We’ve loosely had some different timelines that are kind of temporary. I want to keep those between us just if something unforeseen happens, out of respect for him and the situation. But I know this: Things are going in the right direction. And if there’s an arrow, it’s trending upwards.”
Rams CEO Kevin Demoff and COO Tony Pastoors had previously spoken about Donald during a team event on July 23, and mentioned that Donald would be welcomed back with “open arms.”
The return of Donald became even more appealing when the Rams traded for pass rusher Myles Garrett, who would be lined up alongside him.
Donald has remained in the Los Angeles area since stepping away from the team after the 2023 season and has occasionally worked with members of the USC football team.
When is Rams’ season opener?
The Rams will start the regular season at home against the San Francisco 49ers. The NFC West showdown will take place Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5:35 p.m. PT at SoFi Stadium and will be broadcast on Netflix.
