Donald Watch: McVay's 'Trending Upwards' Comment Is the Only News There Is

Sean McVay said Friday he has no update on Aaron Donald's retirement status and doesn't expect a decision until after training camp wraps. That's the same answer he gave last week, and probably the same one he'll give next week. The only thing that changed was the phrasing — "trending upwards" — which is either genuine optimism or a coach keeping a good story alive. Either way, it's the whole update.

Donald retired after the 2023 season as one of the most decorated interior defenders in NFL history, a player who redefined what a three-technique could do in a modern defense. Whether he comes back at this stage of his career is a football question and a personal one, and McVay is clearly not going to push it publicly. He's letting it breathe.

For the Rams, the waiting is mostly harmless right now. Camp is open, Braden Fiske leads the defensive line, and the roster isn't holding its breath on Donald's behalf. If he comes back, it's a bonus. If he doesn't, this team was already building without him. The defensive front has enough bodies to get through August.

The Donald story will resolve when it resolves. Until then, McVay's "trending upwards" is the whole bulletin — noted, filed, and not worth more than that.