Aaron Donald has worked out for the Los Angeles Rams for a second time as the clock ticks on the future Hall of Famer's decision on whether or not to return to football.
The Rams listed Donald as a workout participant on Sunday's NFL transaction wire, a day after their preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. No other information about his workout was initially released.
Donald previously worked out with the Rams on Aug. 5, confirming reports that he was considering coming out of retirement. Rams head coach Sean McVay has since spoken glowingly of Donald’s first workout while attempting to temper expectations on whether or not he actually plays again.
McVay doesn’t want to put pressure Donald
Following Saturday’s 20-12 win over the Chiefs, McVay emphasized that he’s not putting deadline pressure on Donald to make a decision.
“What I don't want is to sit here and do is put a timeline on it, then something comes up where I have to push it back,” McVay told reporters per the team transcript. “What I have said to him is that we have some loose things that I have identified, like dates that we would like to hit.
“But what I don't want to have is any unnecessary pressure on him if there are some unforeseen circumstances.”
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McVay also acknowledged the obvious. He’s hopeful for a decision from Donald “sooner than later.”
“We are not at that point quite yet,” McVay continued. “I am hopeful that it will be sooner rather than later, but I also want to respect when he does feel that clarity will come, I think there is a chance we will be closer to that than not.”
“But again, I don't want to say too much or put some sort of invisible deadline on something that doesn't exist in my mind for him.”
When will Aaron Donald make his decision?
Thus is McVay’s dilemma. And to be clear, it’s an enviable dilemma to have. The greatest defender of his generation is considering returning to football at 35 years old, two seasons removed from retirement. He’s considering doing so for a Rams team that’s the preseason favorite to win the Super Bowl with or without him.
If he does return, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will join the NFL’s current sack king, Myles Garrett, to form what projects as not only the best pass rush in football but one of the best in NFL history.
The Rams, meanwhile, have a season and a roster to plan for. Knowing whether or not Donald will play makes preparing for Week 1 against the 49ers on Sept. 10 that much easier.
McVay will surely find room on the roster when and if Donald decides to return, whether it’s Monday or in the middle of the season. But, as McVay said Saturday night, the sooner Donald figures out his plan, the better for the Rams.