Rams' Sean McVay makes big admission about potential Aaron Donald comeback

Back at the start of August, multiple NFL reporters made it seem as if it was a lock that defensive superstar Aaron Donald would eventually confirm he is coming out of retirement to return to the Los Angeles Rams' active roster for the 2026 season. 

However, Donald still hadn't publicly confirmed his plans as the Rams wrapped up their preseason with a 20-18 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night. Following that victory. Rams head coach Sean McVay suggested that he truly doesn't know Donald's intentions. 

Aaron Donald's status for 2026 season is still "up in the air"

"I think all of those things are up in the air," McVay said, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "I wish I had a little bit better ability to give you some clarity, but it’s really one of those deals that, what we’re doing, we’re focusing on this football team."

McVay's comments may lead one to believe that he is getting frustrated about not yet knowing whether Donald will be on the Rams' squad when initial 53-man rosters are due by this coming Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. That said, McVay previously acknowledged that the Rams have "plans" for a 53-man roster with and without Donald.

Meanwhile, Donald may complete additional workouts before he makes a final decision about his availability. It sounds like the Rams are still comfortable with Donald taking his time and going through his process.

Rams "absolutely" still want Aaron Donald on their active roster

"Aaron knows that if he wants to be able to do that, that’s something that we absolutely want to be able to entertain and figure out, and that’s really all there is to it right now," McVay added during his comments. 

The version of Donald who earned Defensive Player of the Year Award honors on three occasions is widely seen as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. However, the 35-year-old hasn't played in a game since he retired in March 2024, so, understandably, he wants to be absolutely sure he is willing to put himself through all that comes with participating in a grueling season. 

One theory is that Donald doesn't want to travel for the Rams' regular-season opener versus the rival San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10 (U.S. time). Thus, he could begin the season on the physically unable to perform list and then potentially play in the Week 2 home game against the New York Giants on Sept. 21.