Aaron Donald has not made a comeback announcement. Yet the conversation around theLos Angeles Rams legend keeps getting louder with every passing week.
His recent workout at the team’s facility has only fueled that buzz. Now, with one NFL analyst suggesting a return feels more inevitable than unlikely, the spotlight is firmly back on one of the greatest defensive players of his generation.
Aaron Donald And The Los Angeles Rams Continue To Fuel Comeback Speculation
Former Pittsburgh Panther and retired NFL defensive tackle Aaron Donald speaks at a press conference prior to the start of the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on November 15, 2025.
The possibility of Donald returning took another turn after former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker discussed the situation on his podcast, saying a comeback now feels more probable than not. Tucker believes that the real question is not whether Donald returns, however, when the Rams decide to bring him back into the fold.
“It would be an UPSET at this point if Aaron Donald did NOT come out of retirement to play for the Rams this year…”
“The question is, is it for the whole season? Does he come back midseason for a boost?”
“It would be an UPSET at this point if Aaron Donald did NOT come out of retirement to play for the Rams this year…”
“The question is, is it for the whole season? Does he come back midseason for a boost?”@RossTuckerNFL discusses the likely return of the legendary Rams DT:… pic.twitter.com/NLohC6IoLw
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) July 14, 2026
The optimism comes just days after Donald was spotted taking part in an intense workout at the Rams’ practice facility. The footage quickly spread across social media and reignited speculation that the future Hall of Famer was seriously evaluating a return after stepping away from football following the 2023 season.
According to Adam Schefter, Donald informed the Rams that he wanted to return to the facility, put the pads back on and test himself through football-specific drills before making any decision. The session reportedly lasted about an hour as he pushed through agility work and explosive movements to evaluate how his body responded.
Schefter also pointed to another factor working in the Rams’ favor. Los Angeles remains the one place where the 35-year-old would receive complete support from the organization, coaching staff and locker room if he chooses to resume his career.
The blockbuster addition of Myles Garrett has become a recurring theme throughout the comeback speculation. Donald previously admitted the move got him thinking about football again, and pairing two future Hall of Fame-caliber pass rushers would instantly give the Rams arguably the NFL’s most dominant defensive front.
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