Aaron Donald keeps giving Rams fans reasons to think he's coming back (soon)

Until Aaron Donald shuts down the buzz or actually returns, rumors of his potential unretirement will continue to be stirred, poked, and prodded. The latest update - if you want to call it that in the endless stream of speculation labeled as such - suggests that he is "seriously preparing" for a possible training-camp return. Los Angeles Rams fans can't help but be piqued by this, and more importantly, Donald himself stepped in to stoke the fire.

Whoa, halt the presses, everyone: Donald liked an Instagram post and made emoji 'eyes.' 

Actually, despite the risks of overanalyzing social media activity, this feels at least somewhat significant. Would Donald engage with the rumors if he wasn't serious? Athletes know the fanbase has a laser-scope on anything they do or say in the digital landscape. 

Donald has already posted a meaningfully timed string of workout clips. He said last summer he would consider returning if the Rams added Micah Parsons, who ultimately joined the Packers. Well, now the Rams have Myles Garrett. The hype train has barreled nearly off the rails and Donald has done nothing to shut it down. Instead, he's shoveled coal at the furnace. 

Donald may be closer to returning than Rams fans thought

Of course, maybe AD was just trolling for kicks. It's possible. Perhaps the knowledge that Rams fans will instantly overreact to a thumbs up, repost, or any response at all makes it more tempting. Maybe a like is just a like. 

Combined with an ever-growing trail of breadcrumbs, the other possibility- that Donald is sincere - is what makes the whole thing impossible to ignore. Insider Adam Schefter has already indicated his belief in the "momentum" behind Donald's potential return. Now, it sure sounds like it could happen sooner rather than later.

It doesn't have to. Donald has time. So do the Rams. It would be perfectly feasible for Donald to hold out and preserve his body until putting on the pads for a late-season playoff push. In L.A.'s Super Bowl season, safety Eric Weddle unretired in a similar scenario, on top of the team also acquiring edge rusher Von Miller (trade) and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (waivers) for the postseason plunge.

The Horns have set a precedent in making last-second additions to bring in veterans in the twilight of their careers or past it. 

But it would also make sense for Donald to come back sooner, allowing him to practice with teammates and reacclimate to the NFL's daily grind. Even if he played sparingly for most of the season, doing it that way could be less disruptive than waiting until the 11th hour. 

We'll see. It's not even a sure thing that Donald unretires, after all. Again and again, though, he gives Rams fans a reason to believe. They may not have to wait much longer.

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