Aaron Donald works out with Rams ahead of possible comeback

Aaron Donald workout: what actually happened

Aaron Donald, DT, worked out at the Los Angeles Rams' practice facility in Woodland Hills on Friday, July 10. TMZ first reported the session. Per Adam Schefter, Donald asked the team directly if he could test his body in pads again, and the Rams agreed. He spent roughly an hour on the field doing ladder drills, medicine ball throws, and agility work.

This is not a signing. Schefter was clear that the visit was a personal test, not a commitment to return. Donald has been to the facility before, so the workout alone does not guarantee anything moves forward.

What people close to the situation are saying

NFL insider Peter Schrager said on The Pat McAfee Show that Donald would not come back as a diminished version of himself. Former lineman Mark Schlereth said on 97.1 The Fan that he believes a return is essentially certain. Those two takes cover the range of opinion right now.

Donald is 35 and has been retired for two seasons. Speculation about a return picked up after the Rams acquired Myles Garrett, and Schefter noted that Donald and head coach Sean McVay have stayed in contact.

Training camp opens in a couple of weeks. McVay will almost certainly be asked about Donald's status at the first camp press conference.

Fantasy impact

Donald plays defensive tackle. He has no direct fantasy value in standard or PPR formats. If you roster IDP players at DT, a Donald return to the Rams would be worth watching.

For skill-position players, a stronger Rams defense theoretically supports more wins and more game-script opportunities for Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and Cooper Kupp. That is a downstream effect, not a reason to adjust your roster today. Wait for an actual signing before pricing any of that in.