Rams' two-week Aaron Donald exemption will let them iron out more details

The Los Angeles Rams are excited to get Aaron Donald back. Fans are certainly thrilled. Even the NFL commissioner's office has seemingly been swept up in the sentiment of the moment.

Specifically, the league has granted the Rams a roster exception until Friday, September 11, to carry Donald on the active roster penalty-free. That means he can practice with teammates without forcing a player off the team. Although including Donald the Rams are currently at 53 players, they can effectively carry 54.

For a limited time.

From the NFL:

"The Commissioner has granted a two-game roster exemption for Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh, of the Los Angeles Rams; the roster exemption will expire on Friday, September 11."

This may be the first time Rams fans have ever heard of such a dispensation, or indeed fans of any team. It's a unique situation. The NFL has never seen a player at such a physical position, defensive tackle, return to the game after a multi-year retirement. So, what does this entail?

Aaron Donald has an NFL-sanctioned grace period

Much as players returning to the active roster from an injured-reserve designation, Donald is allowed to fully participate in all team functions, drills, facilities, and practices, without counting against LA's 53-man roster.

This is a worthwhile advantage as the Rams, head coach Sean McVay, and Donald determine when the latter will be ready to suit up. That could be Week 1. It could be Week 2. McVay has said they will take it by day day, without committing to anything up front.

There is still work to be done. Donald has clearly sustained his massive physical strength during retirement, but he has not had the luxury of regular reps on a football field. Without instinctively knowing how his teammates will respond in live action, Donald's in-game effectiveness would be limited.

The league office has provided Donald and the Rams time to sweep away those cobwebs and coordinate his role.

Of course, the possibility of incorporating Donald is something that defensive coordinator Chris Shula has had plenty of time to ponder. He has had plenty of time to ponder schemes and play designs to optimize an AD-inclusive defense. Now, it's up to the players to execute.

Make no mistake about it: on paper, this is a historic defensive front.

The wait is almost over. Was it worth it? Fans will soon see for themselves. Expect to be impressed.

As always, thanks for reading.

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