​TMZ Sports released footage showing Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald working out at the team’s practice facilities as speculation grows about a possible 2026 comeback. Typically, TMZ coverage of a high-profile player can spark mixed reactions among fans, and in this case, the reaction is likely to be more enthusiastic than pessimistic. The sight of Donald around the Rams’ complex and going through football-related drills is bound to stir excitement and intensify chatter about a potential return to the field.
Donald isn’t a stranger to the Rams’ facility, and glimpses of him participating in what appears to be football-focused activity can raise questions and ears perked up among supporters. His last appearance on an NFL field came in 2024, and at 35 years old, he faces the challenge of returning after a two-year hiatus to help an LA squad aiming for another championship run. The Rams don’t appear to rely on Donald to carry them at an elite level the way they might have in previous years, especially with the emergence of players like Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and other newcomers who add depth and talent to the trenches. Nevertheless, adding a player of Donald’s caliber and championship pedigree would undoubtedly benefit the team on multiple levels.
If Donald does decide to resume his NFL career, questions about the impact on the Rams’ depth chart and the defensive line rotation are natural. I explored a similar line of thought earlier this week. There were clear signs of decline in Donald’s performance during his final two seasons of 2022 and 2023, though he remained an elite defender by any reasonable standard. During his breakout 2015 season through the Rams’ 2021 championship run, Donald’s PFF defensive grade fluctuated between a low of 92.6 and a peak of 94.8. His last two seasons, while still strong, dipped to 90.5 and 90.8, respectively. An injury in 2022 limited his playing time, and he logged only 615 snaps—the fewest of his career. If Donald were to play in the 400-600 snaps range, primarily as a designated interior pass rusher, he would still be capable of chasing quarterbacks at a high level. Even with any decline after his two-year break, his presence could elevate the Rams’ defense and provide more value than what Turner and Fiske currently offer.
The Rams would not need Donald to push them into the playoffs on his own, but his involvement could influence the postseason dynamics. Wearing down over the regular season could affect his late-season effectiveness, so a strategy that prioritizes his use late in games might be wise. The team could deploy him in critical moments to seal outcomes, while giving him limited duty early on.
As for when—or if—Donald will publicly announce a return to the NFL, that remains a live rumor until a formal confirmation arrives. In the meantime, circulating footage and the accompanying buzz will likely keep the conversation front and center among fans and analysts alike, fueling speculation about how a 2026 comeback could reshape the Rams’ defensive identity and their championship aspirations.