In 2023, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner led all rookies in sacks, creating a dominant duo with NFL legend Aaron Donald. The possibilities of what the tandem could've done were endless, except Donald retired after the season.
Two years later, the two are set to resume their partnership, with the expectation that they'll look as if they haven't skipped a beat. Donald returned to practice on Sunday, with the future Hall of Famer lining up alongside Turner in 11-on-11s during practice.
When asked by the OC Register's Ben Royer, Donald called his return "rusty," but walked away with some satisfaction.
Aaron Donald called his return to 11-on-11 drills during the Rams’ Sunday practice as “a little rusty,” but also “pretty damn good.”
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) September 7, 2026
Turner
was more complimentary, adding that Donald's rust would be the envy of most people.
More from Kobie Turner to @ocregister on Aaron Donald:
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) September 8, 2026
“I would have thought it would be a whole lot more difficult (to return) than he made it look yesterday," he said. "Obviously, it's a day of practice, but you very clearly see like, yeah, he's still got it.” https://t.co/utzhCTQ4yb
The Rams are set to play the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday. We now have to wait and see if Donald boards the flight.
Donald himself would not commit to playing, continuing to leave the door open.
Asked multiple times whether he'll play in Australia, Aaron Donald said: "Feeling good, feeling really good. Come up with a game plan and see."
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) September 8, 2026
Donald is expected to make the trip with the Rams on Tuesday night, and before they depart, Sean McVay plans to give an update on the future Hall of Famer's status for Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Aaron Donald felt 'rusty' in practice but Kobie Turner was still impressed
