McVay says no 'invisible deadline' on potential Donald comeback

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sean McVay says no 'invisible deadline' on potential Aaron Donald comeback, but Rams need clarity on his plans soon

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Aug 16, 2026 1:03 PM ET

The NFL is awaiting word on whether retired defensive lineman Aaron Donald is coming back this season. It may have to wait even longer.

On Saturday, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay fielded questions about a Donald comeback attempt following the team's 20-12 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He wants to know the future Hall of Famer's plan soon, but he's not rushing him into making a decision.

Sean McVay talks Aaron Donald comeback

"I'm hopeful that it will be sooner rather than later, but I also want to respect when he does feel like that clarity will come," McVay said. "I think there's a chance we'll be closer to that than not. But again, I don't want to say too much or put some sort of invisible deadline on something that doesn't exist in my mind for him."

There may be no set date for the decision, but McVay and company would certainly like to know before the Rams open the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10 (Netflix, 8:35 p.m. ET) in Melbourne.

"I feel great about our football team as it currently stands, and I know he'll add value if he decides to come."

Sean McVay remains optimistic, but realistic to an Aaron Donald return to the football field.@CBSLosAngeles | #RamsHouse | #RamsCentral pic.twitter.com/LIqc32aNKx
— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) August 15, 2026

Donald has already taken a significant step toward a return, working out with the team at training camp on Aug. 5. That made a comeback feel nearly inevitable, but again, nothing's official until the 35-year-old announces his plans.

If Donald doesn't return, McVay still feels great about the roster, and he should. Last season, the Rams went 12-5 and made the NFC Championship Game. This offseason, L.A. upgraded its already-stingy defense (21.3 points per game allowed in 2025, No. 10 in the NFL), acquiring defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerback Trent McDuffie in trades with the Cleveland Browns and Chiefs, respectively.

Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Donald teaming up with two-time DPOY Garrett would still bolster the Rams' championship chances. Donald remained effective when he last played in 2023, logging eight sacks in 16 regular-season games and earning his eighth first-team All-Pro nod.

The Rams clearly aren't pressuring Donald, but they would love to know what he intends to do soon, and they need to. The longer they wait, the less time they have to prepare for either scenario.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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