Aaron Donald has appeared on the NFL transaction wire for the second consecutive time as participating in a workout with the Los Angeles Rams, fueling speculation that the retired defensive tackle is preparing for a return to the field. Because Donald remains off the active roster, the NFL officially classifies these sessions as tryouts. However, Rich Eisen argued on his show that a three-time Defensive Player of the Year does not show up for routine workouts without a larger purpose. Eisen went further, predicting that when the Rams travel to Melbourne, Australia, for their international season opener, Donald will be on that flight.
He expects Donald to line up alongside newly acquired edge rusher Myles Garrett and defensive lineman Kobie Turner, forming what would be one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the league. According to Eisen, Donald has no reason to risk injury in preseason games against players fighting for roster spots. Instead, he is believed to be working through his own conditioning program, with the expectation that he will be fully ready when the regular season begins. The Rams have not made a formal announcement about Donald’s status, and Eisen acknowledged that no one covering the situation seems to know exactly what the process involves.
He said he would be surprised if Donald’s return went any other way, given that the veteran was unlikely to play in preseason games regardless. While the defense waits for clarity on Donald, the offense delivered a strong statement in Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, selected 13th overall in this year’s draft, made his preseason debut and completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Simpson said after the game that he felt more comfortable than he ever had in a game, adding that once the first drive ended, it felt like playing in the backyard in Martin.
Analysts on First Things First credited head coach Sean McVay for tailoring the game plan to Simpson’s strengths, using bootlegs, quick play-action concepts, and high-percentage throws rather than forcing the rookie into unfamiliar schemes. Greg Jennings said the credit for Simpson’s performance belongs largely to McVay, noting that when a player says he has never felt more comfortable in a game, it shows the coach put him in position to succeed. Danny Parkins said Simpson checked the box for week one of the preseason, while noting that the Chiefs defense he faced consisted mostly of backups. Parkins compared Simpson’s style to that of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, describing him as smart, accurate, and capable of moving within a system that does not demand he do everything himself.
Simpson’s performance has positioned him as the leading candidate for the backup quarterback role behind starter Matthew Stafford, ahead of Stetson Bennett and Jimmy Garoppolo. Stafford is in his late 30s and has a history of back issues, which makes the development of a capable backup increasingly important for the Rams. The combination of Donald’s reported return and Simpson’s preseason showing has placed Los Angeles at the center of league-wide attention ahead of the regular season.
The Rams open their season internationally in Australia, and the status of Donald’s potential return remains unresolved.
