The Los Angeles Rams have now had their second tryout for Aaron Donald.
Just hours after Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke about Aaron Donald being on his own timeline in terms of making a return, the defensive end was listed as having another official tryout on the NFL's transaction wire.
The last time that an official workout happened. McVay stated it was due to Donald needing to borrow equipment for a drill he was engaging in at the Rams practice facility.
This could also be the same case, but having a tryout always points to the team needing to make things official for a return. There are certain protocols to follow, and a tryout may lead to a signing.
Again, this was the same case last time, but Donald did not officially announce his return.
McVay talked to reporters following the Rams' preseason matchup, stating that Donald is essentially allowed to take his time in announcing that he will return.
Donald has been steadily attempting to work his way back to playing in 2026, but nothing has been made official. There might also be the idea that he does not return.
McVay understands that, and pointed to that same fact during his media availability.
"We have some loose things where we've identified, you know, dates that we'd like to be able to hit," McVay said. "But what I don't want to have is any sort of unnecessary pressure on him if there's some unforeseen circumstances."
The unforeseen circumstances that McVay hinted as could be Donald simply choosing not to play after all, which wouldn't be that shocking.
Donald explained his reasoning for not wanting to play football again weeks before that tune changed. The defensive end's tune changed due to the arrival of fellow defensive end Myles Garrett.
The fact that the Rams may have two Defensive Player of the Year winners on one team and playing the same position led to Donald admitting he would explore if the "fire" of competition was still there for him.
Donald then began to test his body, initially being shown engaging in drills at the Rams' practice facility.
When Donald tried out officially, McVay openly said he could "make the team." More workout videos and drills began to be shown, one of which was Donald working out with fellow Los Angeles linemen Braden Fiske and Desjuan Johnson.
Donald showed off his speed, which looked to be quite good even after a two-year layoff. Still, nothing has been formally announced.
The Rams may need Donald to make up his mind now, so the defensive scheme can be altered with him in mind. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula will need to dial that in with Donald and the rest of the defensive linemen and pass rushers before the start of the regular season.
An official tryout does not mean much, but Donald having his second with the Rams could point to an official return.
