The topic of Aaron Donald’s potential return to the Los Angeles Rams remains up in the air.
Sean McVay will be preparing his team for their trip to Australia ahead of their season-opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne.
General manager Les Snead has helped put together what seems to be one of the best NFL rosters in history this offseason through some big-name additions.
Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett is one of the acquisitions made this offseason in an attempt to push the Rams over the line in the NFC this season.
Things could get even better for the Rams, though, with Donald flirting with the notion of coming out of retirement for one final year.
With the Week One game in Australia now just a matter of weeks away, a decision is yet to be made by Donald.
Mike Florio and Chris Simms share Aaron Donald prediction over LA Rams return
Adding Donald to the current Rams defensive unit would be a terrifying development for all of the contending teams heading into the new season.
The 35-year-old is undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer, but Mike Florio and Chris Simms are not expecting him to be on the plane to Australia.
“I don’t think he’s going to Australia. He may come back at some point this year, but I don’t think he’s going to Australia,” said Florio.
“He’s not going to Australia. At this point, I’d go, well, he’s not going to do anything. I mean, he’s not going to be a difference-maker, I don’t think, as of yet,” replied Simms.
“So, yeah, it seems right now that it’s either he’s going to sit out and then just come in the door when he feels ready – maybe late September, something like that – or are they going to sign him up and put him on the PUP right away?”
Donald has proven to be a difference-maker over the years, but there is a clear concern over his ability to slot back into the team after some time away from the game.
Perhaps there is a scenario where Donald could assess the Rams’ season and then make a decision, given he will be eyeing another Super Bowl ring if he is to return.
The expectation is already on the Rams to make the Super Bowl following their impressive offseason additions.
However, Snead may have to work around Donald’s final year of his deal, which would see him potentially earn $30m if he does return.
There is a lot involved in bringing Donald back for another season, and time is certainly starting to run out for the Rams to have him involved for the game in Australia.
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