Aaron Donald Decision Looms For Rams

"He's feeling good, but we're not to where we're able to say whether or not he is or isn't ready to do it," McVay said. "But he's doing great, and he looked outstanding in the workout, as I think all of us would expect. He's very deliberate and intentional about what this looks like. Things are going in the right direction."

The workout, a non-padded session, was officially listed as a tryout — Donald's test of whether he can regain the form that made him arguably the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history.

According to ESPN's Sarah Barshop, McVay, defensive line coach Giff Smith, senior vice president of sports medicine and performance Reggie Scott, and Justin Lovett, senior director of strength and conditioning, were on hand for the workout.

McVay has stayed in touch with Donald throughout the process and has repeatedly signaled optimism, saying the arrow is pointing upwards. Still, the Rams aren't pushing for an answer, out of respect for the franchise's career sacks leader.

"I've been seeing the things that he's been doing. He and I probably talk every day," McVay said. "So it's one of those deals — if he wants to do it, we'd be excited about the possibility. And I think it's really important to acknowledge that if he doesn't, this guy gave this organization everything he had for 10 years. So if he is going to do it, he's going to do it the right way. And if not, he's got a lot of cool stuff going on as a husband, as a father, and in business."

The Rams wrap camp at LMU on Friday and return to the team facility as they prepare for their preseason opener next Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

If Donald returns, the next question is whether the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Pro will be ready for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers — the NFL's first international game of 2026, set for Sept. 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.