LOS ANGELES — Aaron Donald did not practice Monday, instead working inside the Rams' facility in what coach Sean McVay called "part of the plan all along" as the defensive tackle eases back from a two-season retirement.

The NFL granted the Rams a roster exemption through Sept. 11, a day after their season opener, allowing them to carry Donald on the active roster without a corresponding move. McVay referred to Donald's return as a "day at a time," emphasizing that the 35-year-old will not be forced into action before he is ready.

Donald ended his retirement Sunday and signed a one-year deal, according to the team. His return was met with surprise across the league, including from San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch.

"I mean, the guy is different, right?" Lynch told reporters. "He's an exceptional player. One of the greats. I do subscribe to that. I think we're pretty good, too. They got better, certainly, with him deciding to come out of retirement. Now, there's time away. But I know that guy trains like a madman."

Lynch added: "I ran into him in a hotel somewhere a while back, and we had some fun chatter back and forth. Never thought he'd do it, but he's doing it. So, we'd better get ready for it."

Donald retired in 2024, citing burnout and a lack of energy for another full season. He walked away with 111 sacks, 543 tackles, three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl LVI ring.

The Rams had already bolstered their defensive line before Donald's return. In March, they acquired Myles Garrett via trade, a move that many believed made a Donald comeback more appealing. Donald and Garrett now combine for five Defensive Player of the Year awards. The team also returns Kobie Turner and added Braden Fiske, Byron Young and Poona Ford to a deep front.

Ford, entering his second season with the Rams, chuckled when asked about learning from Donald and Garrett across the 17-game regular season, which begins Sept. 10 against the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

"My body don't move like that, like theirs," Ford told the Southern California News Group. "It's kind of hard not to [dream of what could be], but we still got to come together as a team and do everything as one."

Inside linebacker Omar Speights called Donald's potential return "shocking," adding that taking two years off at this level is a difficult journey back to the field.

McVay said Donald has a great appreciation for the players in the room who have done a great job, and that the team has not yet done 11-on-11 football with him.

Donald did not practice Monday, while Garrett missed his 14th practice due to a knee issue since training camp. McVay said they were planning for the season opener.

Tight end Jaylen McCollough and defensive lineman Garrett were mentioned in relation to injuries. Puka Nacua conducted position group drills for the second consecutive day but did not participate in 11-on-11 drills.

McVay also addressed placing offensive linemen Keagen Trost and Justin Dedich on injured reserve, saying he felt good about the backup quartet of Beaux Limmer, Dylan McMahon and Bill Murray.

The Rams announced their initial 17-man practice squad, headlined by preseason standout running back Dean Connors. The team also kept defensive lineman Tim Keenan III and cornerback Cam Lampkin, who is in his third season with the team.

No cuts were claimed off waivers Monday.

The Rams went 3-0 in preseason, beating the Chiefs 20-12, shutting out the Saints 34-0, and edging the Chargers 20-18.

Rams legend Torry Holt sent a warning to the rest of the league about the Donald-Garrett pairing, according to a report from Essentially Sports.