Aaron Donald is back, but when will he officially be back?
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, a Week 1 debut remains “possible” for Donald. It hinges on how his ongoing ramp-up efforts unfold.
If he had returned earlier this month, he would have been on track for 30-40 snaps in the regular-season opener.
The Rams open the season in Australia on September 10. They reportedly will arrive a day before the game, giving them extra time to get Donald ready at the team facility.
The specific timing of Donald’s return opens the door to the possibility that Donald will be placed on the reserve/PUP or reserve/NFI list to start the season. There has been some chatter that Donald had hoped to go that route; however, the Rams (we’re told) want him back “ASAP.”
His contract is structured to let him miss two games but still make his full $20 million base compensation package. He has 53-man roster bonuses of $666,667 that max out at $10 million.
Regardless, he’ll be back. Whether that’s in Week 1 or Week 2 or later remains to be seen.
