Aaron Donald Shines in Workout, According to McVay

Updated August 7, 2026 8 min read

max916311@gmail.com

Aaron Donald Shines in Workout According to McVay as Rams Await Comeback Decision

TL;DR: Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay praised legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald after a standout workout on August 4, 2026, describing his performance as “outstanding” and “great.” However, McVay confirmed there is no new update on whether the retired three-time Defensive Player of the Year will officially return to the Rams, even as the team wraps up its training camp practices.

Sean McVay said Aaron Donald looked outstanding during his latest workout with the Los Angeles Rams, reigniting speculation about whether the retired defensive tackle will make a comeback for the 2026 NFL season. McVay delivered the praise following Donald’s August 4 workout session at the Rams’ training facility, calling the performance impressive while acknowledging the organization continues to wait for a final decision from the future Hall of Famer.

Quick Answer

Rams head coach Sean McVay stated that Aaron Donald “looked outstanding” and “looked great” during a workout on August 4, 2026. Despite the glowing assessment of Donald’s physical condition, McVay confirmed there is no new update on whether the retired star will return to play. The Rams have completed their training camp practices without receiving a commitment from Donald, leaving the situation in limbo heading into the regular season.

Key Takeaways

Sean McVay described Aaron Donald’s August 4 workout as “outstanding” and said he “looked great” during the session.
McVay confirmed there is “no new news” regarding Donald’s potential return to the Rams.
The Rams have wrapped up their training camp practices without a comeback decision from Donald.
Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, retired after the 2023 season but has remained connected to the Rams organization.
The Rams continue to leave the door open for Donald while building their defensive roster for the 2026 season.

What Did Sean McVay Say About Aaron Donald’s Workout?

Sean McVay did not hold back in his praise for Aaron Donald following the defensive tackle’s August 4 workout. The Rams head coach told reporters that Donald “looked outstanding” during the session and continued to describe the retired star as someone who “looked great” as he goes through his evaluation process.

McVay emphasized that Donald is continuing to go through the process of determining whether a return makes sense, but the coach made clear that the physical tools remain firmly intact. According to McVay, there is no new news on the decision front, meaning the organization and the player are still in a holding pattern even as training camp has concluded.

How Does Donald’s Workout Performance Compare to His Playing Days?

Aaron Donald’s ability to look outstanding in a workout setting is not surprising to anyone who watched him dominate NFL offensive lines for a decade. Standing 6 feet 1 inch and weighing approximately 280 pounds, Donald spent ten seasons with the Rams (2014–2023) and established himself as one of the most disruptive defensive players in league history.

During his career, Donald recorded 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, and 25 forced fumbles across 154 regular-season games. His three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards (2017, 2018, 2020) place him in an elite category shared by only a handful of players in league history, including Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt.

Why Hasn’t Aaron Donald Made a Decision Yet?

Several factors likely contribute to Donald’s ongoing deliberation about a potential return. The 35-year-old retired following the Rams’ 2023 season, stepping away from the game after a storied career that included a Super Bowl LVI championship victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in February 2022.

Retirement decisions for elite athletes involve physical, mental, and personal considerations. Donald spent over a decade subjecting his body to the punishment of playing interior defensive line at the highest level. The recovery demands of an NFL season are immense, and any player considering a comeback must weigh the toll on long-term health against the desire to compete.

Research shows that NFL players who retire and consider returning often need extended evaluation periods to assess whether their bodies can withstand a full season. For a player of Donald’s caliber and age, the decision carries significant implications for both his legacy and the Rams’ championship aspirations.

What Does This Mean for the Rams’ Defensive Plans?

The Rams are building their defensive roster for the 2026 season regardless of Donald’s decision. Los Angeles has invested in young talent along the defensive line and has structured its roster to be competitive with or without a Donald return. However, adding a player of Donald’s caliber — even in a reduced role — would dramatically elevate the team’s defensive ceiling.

Factor	With Donald	Without Donald
Interior Pass Rush	Elite tier with proven dominance	Relies on developing younger players
Run Defense	Significant improvement at point of attack	Adequate but lacks dominant anchor
Locker Room Leadership	Future Hall of Famer commands instant respect	Coaching staff leads culture development
Salary Cap Impact	Would require contract restructuring	Cap space available for other additions
Playoff Contention	Stronger Super Bowl contender	Competitive but faces steeper path

Industry data indicates that teams with elite interior pass rushers consistently rank higher in defensive efficiency. The Rams’ willingness to continue giving Donald workout opportunities suggests the organization sees meaningful upside in a potential reunion.

What Is Aaron Donald’s Legacy If He Doesn’t Return?

Whether Aaron Donald plays another snap or not, his place in NFL history is secured. He retires as one of the greatest defensive players to ever take the field, with a résumé that includes:

Three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards
Eight Pro Bowl selections
Seven First-Team All-Pro honors
111 career sacks
A Super Bowl LVI championship ring
The 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award

Donald was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s and is widely considered the most dominant interior defensive lineman of his generation. According to multiple analysts, Donald ranks alongside Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, and Deacon Jones in discussions about the greatest defensive players in NFL history.

When Will the Rams and Aaron Donald Reach a Decision?

McVay did not provide a specific timeline for when a decision might come. The coach’s comments suggest the Rams are comfortable letting Donald take the time he needs while maintaining open communication. With training camp practices now complete, the next major milestone would be the start of the regular season.

If Donald decides to return, the Rams would need to manage his roster spot, potentially designating him in a way that allows a gradual ramp-up to game action. For more information about NFL roster management rules, see our guide on NFL roster construction and salary cap strategies.

McVay’s approach of publicly praising Donald while maintaining respect for the player’s timeline reflects the strong relationship between coach and star. Their bond was forged over years of collaboration, culminating in the Super Bowl LVI title. McVay has consistently spoken about Donald with admiration, and his latest comments reinforce that the door remains wide open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Aaron Donald officially retire from the NFL?

Yes, Aaron Donald announced his retirement following the 2023 NFL season after ten years with the Los Angeles Rams. However, he has not filed formal retirement paperwork with the league, leaving the door open for a potential return. The Rams have continued to engage with Donald about a possible comeback throughout 2025 and into 2026.

How old is Aaron Donald in 2026?

Aaron Donald was born on May 23, 1991, making him 35 years old as of August 2026. While age is a factor in any comeback discussion, Donald’s August 4 workout reportedly showed that his physical conditioning remains at a high level.

What did Sean McVay specifically say about Donald’s workout?

Sean McVay told reporters that Aaron Donald “looked outstanding” during his August 4, 2026 workout and that he “looked great” while going through his process. McVay added that there was “no new news on that front” regarding a final decision from Donald.

Will the Rams have a roster spot ready for Aaron Donald?

The Rams have structured their roster to remain competitive with or without Donald’s return. If Donald decides to come back, the team would have the flexibility to create a roster spot, though contract and salary cap logistics would need to be addressed. The Rams have demonstrated patience and flexibility throughout this process.

How many sacks did Aaron Donald have in his career?

Aaron Donald accumulated 111 career sacks during his ten seasons with the Rams (2014–2023). He also recorded 176 tackles for loss, 25 forced fumbles, and over 500 total tackles. His career sack total ranks among the highest in NFL history for an interior defensive lineman.

Has any retired NFL player successfully returned after a break?

Several retired NFL players have returned to the league after extended breaks. Brett Favre returned after retiring from the Green Bay Packers to play for the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. Rob Gronkowski came out of retirement to join Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These examples show that comeback paths, while uncommon, are not unprecedented in professional football.

The Bottom Line

Sean McVay’s praise of Aaron Donald’s outstanding workout performance on August 4, 2026, confirms what many suspected: the retired defensive tackle’s physical abilities remain impressive. However, the Rams head coach made clear that no decision has been reached, and the organization continues to respect Donald’s timeline as he weighs a potential return.

For the Rams, the situation represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition. The team continues building its roster for the 2026 season while keeping the door open for one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Whether Aaron Donald ultimately decides to return or remain retired, his legacy as a dominant force on the defensive line is already cemented. Until a final decision comes, McVay and the Rams will continue monitoring the situation — and hoping that Donald’s outstanding workout translates into one more chapter of an extraordinary career.