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Rams Eye Aaron Donald Return, 30-40 Snaps Week 1

8/7/2026

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Summary

McVay weighs Donald

Rams head coach Sean McVay said tackle Aaron Donald looked great in a workout but has not decided on a comeback, while reporter Mike Florio said Donald could be ready for 30-40 snaps in Week 1.
The workout at Loyola Marymount University was listed on the NFL transaction wire on Aug. 5 to meet CBA rules.
McVay said Donald will train off-site, brought his speed trainer from Pittsburgh and is training with DeWayne Brown of 2Tenths.

Summary

Rams evaluate Donald

The Rams must decide on Donald’s status by the roster-cut deadline of Aug 30.
Donald’s contract would extend to 2026 with a $31 million salary, forcing the Rams to restructure the deal because the recent acquisition of Myles Garrett adds cap pressure.
The league logged Donald’s workout on the NFL transaction wire after he used Rams equipment, formally recording the potential commitment.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s 2011 collective-bargaining agreement, signed on August 5 after an 18-week lockout, introduced strict roster-cut deadlines and cap-flex rules that limit how teams spread salary-cap hits. The Los Angeles Rams, under Sean McVay, now confront a $31 million, 2026 deal for Aaron Donald and an August 30 roster deadline, a direct test of those 2011 reforms.

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McVay weighs Donald

Rams head coach Sean McVay said tackle Aaron Donald looked great in a workout but has not decided on a comeback, while reporter Mike Florio said Donald could be ready for 30-40 snaps in Week 1.
The workout at Loyola Marymount University was listed on the NFL transaction wire on Aug. 5 to meet CBA rules.
McVay said Donald will train off-site, brought his speed trainer from Pittsburgh and is training with DeWayne Brown of 2Tenths.

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