Aaron Donald Works Out Again at Rams Facility As NFL Return Looms

Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Aaron Donald reportedly had another workout with the Rams at their facility.

Donald’s return continues to hang over the franchise as one of football’s biggest mysteries, and while no decision has been made, more smoke continues to swirl.

His latest workout was with current Rams defensive linemen Braden Fiske and Desjuan Johnson, whom Donald played with in 2023 on Monday.

Despite being 35 years old and two years removed from playing, Donald still moves well in short workout videos.

Dec 3, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defesnive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates in the first half in a game against the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-Imagn Images

He is also getting rave reviews from his former teammates.

“It didn’t feel like he missed a beat at all,” Johnson said. “It feels like he even got a little bit faster, a little bit hungrier in a way.”

Donald’s decision timeline has gotten longer and longer over time. Initially, his announcement was supposed to come earlier this week, then at the end of the week, but now it is the weekend, and there is still no call on whether he will return.

Why has a decision not been announced yet?

Multiple factors are at play in his decision beyond his willingness to return. Since he is on the reserve/retired list, he can theoretically wait until after Week 13 before making a decision.

He does not need to return for Week 1; however, to get into the best possible football shape, it would be ideal to get back on the NFL field as soon as possible.

His contract is also a factor. He still has a one-year, $30 million contract in place from his retirement. Donald would need to reach an agreement with the Rams about pay structure and terms that make both sides happy.

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

More importantly than anything, Donald wants to be 100% sure that he can perform at an elite level.

His legacy is cemented, but the optics of a down year for such a highly regarded player could chip away at the mystique of his legend.

In the end, with all the workouts and the only possible things coming from them, it is hard to see him not coming back at this point.

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