Aaron Donald worked out with Rams Friday

Palmer was quick to point out in his report that Donald has always been a player who has been in great shape, but that “there are differences in football shape and staying in shape.” Donald was spotted working out at the Rams’ facilities last week. Palmer said he believes Donald is currently in the process of checking boxes to evaluate where he stands physically and whether or not he can return to the field and play at a high level after two years away from the game. The Rams aren’t actively pursuing Donald or discussing money with him, per Palmer, but it’s clear the door is opened for him to return if he chooses to do so. Veterans will report to Rams camp on July 25th, which could serve as a soft deadline for when we might expect to get word on a decision from Donald.

“Nobody said that,” Schefter then said, noting that everyone involved is downplaying this. Donald almost undoubtedly wouldn’t go through a training camp, and the Rams have yet to present him with a plan on how he’d be used. Schefter stresses that this is just a “guess” but that the “ingredients are there to make it happen.” Donald Watch will become a big part of the training camp news cycle unless someone involved throws cold water on it.

Schultz apparently texted Donald, 35, about whether he would consider coming out of retirement to play alongside new Rams EDGE Myles Garrett. Per Schultz, Donald responded by saying he is “for sure flirting with the idea,” and if he can “find the fire, it’s a possibility.” Donald also noted that this season’s Super Bowl will be hosted at the Rams’ SoFi Stadium, which appeals to him. Donald is still on the Rams’ reserve/retired list, so his 2024 salary can be reinstated if he decides he would like to return. According to Over The Cap, the Rams have $16.3 million in salary cap space this season. A potential return should not be expected. Retired players entertain returns from time to time, but most of the time, they decide to stay put. To be fair to Donald, though, it does seem like he is at least mildly weighing his options.

Donald has flirted with the possibility of retiring before, but the 32-year-old, future hall of famer, has officially called it quits. You won’t find many players with a resumé as decorated as Donald’s. The former No. 13 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has been named eight times as a First-team All-Pro, and was voted as a Pro Bowler in each of the 10 seasons he played. Donald steps away from the game tied for 40th in career sacks (111.0), and never totaled fewer than five sacks in a season. Blessed with a clean bill of health for the majority of his career, Donald played in all but nine regular season games during his tenure, and was an integral part of the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run. Truly one of the best to ever do it, Donald’s retirement creates a massive void along the Rams’ defensive line. He restructured his contract shortly before retiring, helping to free up $9.2 million in cap space for the 2024 season.

Aaron Donald is also getting the week off. The Rams are locked into either the No. 6 or No. 7 seed for the playoffs, so there is almost nothing for them to play for this week. Ronnie Rivers, Royce Freeman, and Zach Evans will all have a shot at seeing more work in Week 18. Rivers was the only backup to see snaps last week, making him the next man up.

Donald was added to the injury report on Saturday because of tightness in his groin but appears to be good to go. The future Hall of Famer is having a down year for his lofty standards. Through 13 weeks, Donald has just six sacks. He should be able to up that number by one or two versus Washington this week. Sam Howell leads the NFL in sacks taken, averaging 4.5 sacks per game.

Donald missed the last six games of the season with an ankle injury. Getting cleared for workouts in February gives him a chance to be ready for the start of OTAs. Donald was linked to retirement after winning a Super Bowl last offseason but confirmed he intends to play in 2023.

31-year-old Donald heads into the offseason having missed the final six games of the season with his ankle injury. Donald pondered retirement last offseason while coach Sean McVay seems to be preparing to jump ship. Due nearly $30 million between salary and roster bonuses, we find it difficult to believe Donald will seriously consider hanging it up.

No surprises here as the Rams are just looking to finish strong. Baker Mayfield has helped infinite the Rams’ offense in his quest to prove he’s still starting material.

No surprises here as the Rams ruled most of these players earlier in the week. Donald is likely done for the year because of an ankle issue. He should land on injured reserve once the team finally gives up hope on him returning for a few meaningless games.