Rams' Donald ends holdout, reports to team absent new deal
Aaron Donald's holdout has come to an end.
The Los Angeles Rams' defensive tackle reported to the team facility Saturday and passed a physical, the team announced.
Donald had stayed away from the team throughout training camp and preseason in hopes of landing a new contract. He was set to be fined and deducted a signing bonus if his holdout extended into the regular season. Those fines will not be imposed as a result of his appearance at the team facility, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.
Despite his appearance, Donald has not yet earned a new deal and will not suit up for the Rams' Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts. The two sides will continue with negotiations, however.
Donald is considered one of the league's premier players after accumulating 28 sacks in his first three seasons. He's still playing on his rookie contract, however, one that pays him only $1.8 million in base salary for the 2017 season. The Rams picked up the $6.8-million fifth-year option in his contract, but he remains woefully underpaid for his production.
Despite his wish to be paid, teammates suggested it would be hard for Donald to stay away for an extended period of time.
New Rams head coach Sean McVay also held out hope Donald would end the impasse in time for him to play in Sunday's game, before finally conceding Friday that his player wouldn't be available.
Donald's presence is essential for a Los Angeles team hoping to take a step forward in quarterback Jared Goff's second year under center.