Sean McVay makes Aaron Donald’s status clear ahead of Giants game

Aaron Donald could be just days away from making his highly anticipated return to an NFL field.

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said Thursday that Donald will participate fully in practice as the team prepares for Monday night’s matchup against the New York Giants. While his status has not been finalized, the Rams remain hopeful the veteran defensive tackle will be ready to play.

Donald stunned the NFL when he came out of retirement on Aug. 30, more than two years after initially walking away from football in March 2024. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year did not accompany Los Angeles to Melbourne, Australia, for its Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Now, the focus is on how Donald’s body responds to consecutive days of practice.

Donald is one step away from completing incredible NFL comeback

According to McVay, there isn’t a specific physical benchmark Donald must reach before being cleared. The decision will largely depend on how the veteran feels after increasing his workload.

McVay said Donald is “chomping at the bit” to get back on the field, but the Rams have had limited opportunities to work him into full team drills because of their unusual Week 1 travel schedule.

If Donald responds well Thursday and Friday and tells the coaching staff he is ready, Los Angeles could welcome one of the most accomplished defensive players in NFL history back to its lineup.

The Rams are also monitoring star defensive end Myles Garrett, who underwent knee surgery Monday.

McVay said Garrett is progressing well, even joking that he is healing “like Wolverine” after quickly moving away from crutches. However, Los Angeles will remain cautious with the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Garrett has been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four games.

“We’re not going to rush him back,” McVay said.

With Garrett sidelined, Donald’s potential return Monday could provide a significant boost to a Rams defense looking to rebound from its season-opening defeat.

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