Los Angeles – After two full seasons away from the gridiron, defensive tackle Aaron Donald is back in Rams gear and reporting a surprisingly positive physical response. The three‑time Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year completed his first 11‑on‑11 practice last week and told reporters he feels “really good” and is taking the comeback “day by day.”
Practice recap and health update
Donald’s first practice since rejoining the club was described by the veteran as “pretty damn good,” despite a few moments of rust. He noted that while some plays felt “a little rusty,” the overall feel was encouraging and far from the drop‑off many expected after a two‑year hiatus. The Rams gave Donald a scheduled day off on Monday, a routine built into his weekly plan to preserve his durability as he enters his 35th year.
Coaching staff’s outlook
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula emphasized that the team is prepared for any scenario regarding Donald’s availability for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. “It’s a challenge I’ll take any time,” Shula said, adding that the Rams are ready whether Donald plays a full load of snaps or a limited role. The coaching staff expects him to be “acclimated” quickly, but acknowledges that he will not be an every‑down player at this stage of his career.
Role in the defense
Last season Donald appeared on 867 defensive snaps, accounting for 80.8% of the Rams’ plays. This year, with a deep interior line that includes Kobie Turner, Poona Ford and Braden Fiske, the team can manage his workload more flexibly. Donald said he appreciates not having to worry about playing 70‑plus snaps each game, allowing him to “play free, play ball” and rely on his teammates to help him succeed.
Impact on the upcoming game
The Rams’ trip to Australia marks the first NFL regular‑season game played on the continent, and Donald’s presence could be a major draw for fans. While the team hopes he can contribute alongside star pass rusher Myles Garrett—whose recent signing helped spark Donald’s return—the primary goal remains ensuring the veteran is healthy enough to make an impact without risking injury.
Looking ahead
As the Rams finalize their preparations, the focus remains on getting Donald fully integrated into the defense while preserving his long‑term health. “There’s no pressure on me,” Donald said. “I can just go out there, play free, play ball. Let the game come to me, play with the guys around me. Help them, they help me. Hopefully we have a lot of success this season.”
The Rams will announce the final snap count for Donald on game day, but the optimism surrounding his return is already energizing the locker room and the fan base back in Los Angeles.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
