Aaron Donald is back in the lab, and this time it appears the goal is as clear as can be: getting ready for the 2026 season with the Los Angeles Rams.
Donald has been the talk of the NFL for weeks as his potential unretirement to rejoin the Rams looms large over LA and any opponents they may face this coming season. The Rams have already added Myles Garrett to their defensive front this offseason.
They may soon add Donald, too.
Aaron Donald ‘Getting Locked In’ for 2026 Season
GettyIt appears all of Aaron Donald’s work was for a reason.
“@aarondonald99 working out getting locked in for Season,” 2Tenths Speed & Agility captioned a new video on Instagram on August 21 of Donald working on drills, again at the Rams’ facilities, making sure to add a host of tags and ats.
Donald, 35, has been away from the Rams and the NFL since the end of the 2023 season.
He has teased a comeback this offseason amid the Rams’ trade for Garrett, who is also keen on the idea of teaming up with the 10-time Pro Bowler.
“‘Locked in for season,’” one fan posted in the replies. “Do not play with our emotions [laughing face emoji].”
Another fan said, “You just leaked the script gang [crying face emojis].”
Yet another fan also reacted excitedly, posting, “Alright wtf is that caption!?!? Is he back!?!” while a fourth fan added, “And people say he’s washed…yeah right! [laughing face emojis]” in reaction to the sight of Donald going through his workout.
One fan even noticed that Donald himself liked the post, seemingly corroborating the admin’s caption regarding his plans.
Pro Bowler Backs Rams’ Plan for AD
GettyTerron Armstead endorsed the approach the Rams are taking with Aaron Donald.
Donald has taken his time, and still may be, since this does not count as an official answer until he files for reinstatement, at which point he will appear on the transaction wire.
Moreover, Rams head coach Sean McVay has said he expects more official workouts from Donald. That does not appear to be what this was. Instead, Donald worked with his personal trainer, though he has done that with current Rams players this offseason, too.
At any rate, McVay has also said he will not rush Donald through his process.
Former NFL offensive lineman Terron Armstead agrees with the Rams’ approach, saying Donald has “earned the right to go through the process,” regardless of what his reasoning is.
“Whether it’s mental, where he gotta really psych himself up to do it, it’s physical, where he has to get a football shape to do it. Whatever that is, he’s earned it, and we gotta give him that time and space,” Armstead said on “The Rich Eisen Show” on August 21. “He is one of the few humans that can dictate his every move. Whether he plays or not, how much he plays, and who’s saying no?”
Pressed about the season approaching, Armstead said Donald “might be getting close.”
“He’s earned the right. I think the way that Aaron Donald played, the level he played for the duration of his career, you can’t give him any question that he’ll be ready, that he’ll be prepared, that he will know the game plan, that he can go out and execute. You have no reason to question that. You gotta let him go through his process, whatever that is.”
Los Angeles Rams Get Apparent Answer From Aaron Donald