ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter provided the latest update on Donald's status during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, and it's not the news 49ers fans were hoping to hear.
Video recently surfaced showing Donald at the Rams' practice facility, where the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year appeared to be testing whether a return to football is realistic.
"He told the team that he wanted to go there, work out, see how he felt, see how he reacted, see everything that went along with being back in pads, on the football field, and seeing how it made him feel," Schefter said.
"Now, I don't know what he told them about that after he went through those workouts at the facility, but I really think it was just a trial method to see how his whole body reacted, how his mind reacted to being back out there."
Schefter said a reunion with the Rams makes perfect sense for Donald, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. If the defensive tackle does return, Schefter believes Los Angeles could initially manage his workload, perhaps limiting him to 12-15 snaps per game.
McAfee wasn't buying that projection, arguing that if Donald comes back, it will be because he intends to play a significant role on the Rams' defense.
"It's an unbelievably attractive arrangement for him," Schefter added. "It's just a question of whether he wants to go through and do it. My guess is, in the end, that he will—just a guess—because obviously he's thinking hard about it. There are a lot of people that want him back there.
"He has to make the decision, ultimately, but I would think it's got to be awfully enticing for him to come back and play this year when the Super Bowl would be in L.A."
If Donald ultimately decides to return, the Rams' defensive front could be even more formidable when the 49ers open the season against Los Angeles in Australia.
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