Scoring Zone
Today
injury -1.0 impact 5 sources covering this

Aaron Donald works out for the Rams; what's a realistic expectation if he does come back?

Aaron Donald is working out and there are questions about his ability to return to an elite level of play.

First seen Aug 06, 2026 · 12:00 AM UTC · last updated Aug 06 11:31 AM

Scoring Zone's Take

Aaron Donald's name popping back into the news cycle is more of a "watch this space" situation than an actionable fantasy update, but it's worth flagging for your draft board. Donald retired ahead of last season, and now he's reportedly worked out for the Rams without pads, with Sean McVay voicing optimism about a possible 2026 comeback. That's speculative on its face — no pads, no contract, no timeline — and a second source explicitly raises doubts about whether he could still play at an elite level after time away from the game.

As a defensive tackle, Donald has no standard fantasy relevance in points/PPR formats, so this doesn't move him onto your draft radar for redraft leagues. Where it matters is IDP formats: if your league rosters defensive linemen, this is a name to monitor but not draft with confidence right now. Given the total lack of certainty — no signed deal, no practice pads, and real questions about whether he can still play at his old level — he should sit undrafted or be a late-round speculative flier at best in IDP leagues, not a priority add.

Confidence here is low. Treat this as a storyline to track through the rest of the offseason rather than a green light. If Donald actually signs and starts practicing in pads, revisit his IDP value then; until there's a firmer signal, keep him off your draft plan and check back closer to roster cutdowns for clarity on whether this comeback is real.

Aaron Donald officially works out for Rams as potential comeback nears

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett addresses the media at 2026 NFL Training Camp.

The Aaron Donald comeback talk is not going away.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year, who last played in 2023, worked out for the Rams on Wednesday, per the NFL transaction report, which officially labeled it a "tryout" on the daily wire.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Donald wanted to work out in a helmet and used the Rams’ equipment at the team’s facility, requiring the activity to be reported to the league. The all-time great defensive tackle did not wear pads during the session, per Schefter.

"Did it come across as a tryout?" Rams head coach Sean McVay said during an on-site interview with NFL Daily's Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue. "Best tryout we've ever had."

"I think he could make the team."

RELATED CONTENT

McVay said last week that no decision from Donald would come during training camp, but mentioned, regarding Donald’s status, that things were “going in the right direction.”

Rumblings of a potential return for Donald surfaced in June after the Rams’ blockbuster trade for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, and the chatter has only intensified in the weeks since that Donald could return to the team for whom he starred for 10 seasons.

It's not clear how much can be gleaned from a non-padded workout for a defensive tackle, but there’s no reason to doubt that Donald could return and wreak havoc as a 35-year-old on a defensive line loaded with talent.

"That was honestly our way of being able to get a workout with him within the parameters of what's necessary," McVay said Wednesday on "NFL Daily." " ... (Run game coordinator/defensive line coach) Giff Smith said it's the greatest tryout he's ever had."

Getting back into playing shape might take time, but even a slightly diminished Donald would be a welcome addition on any NFL roster. With a front line featuring Donald, Garrett, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford and Byron Young, Los Angeles would be the envy of the league and a weekly nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

Now we wait for an official announcement from Donald on what his plans are for 2026.

Coverage from Nfl Dot Com News · by Dan Parr · Aug 05, 2026 · read original