Where's Rams DT Aaron Donald? Sean McVay Explains Minicamp Absence

The Los Angeles Rams are through their first day of mandatory minicamp, which will run through Thursday, June 15th. But as they did during OTAs, the Rams' defense will be without one of their captains, defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

Speaking with the media during his press conference on Tuesday, Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed the continued absence of Donald, saying it is "excused" and due to a family matter.

Tackle Alaric 'AJ' Jackson and Aaron Donald both have excused absences. They're handling family stuff, [we'll] keep that in-house, but it was something that they had communicated well ahead of time," McVay said.

As McVay stated, this wasn't unexpected, unlike the situation that unfolded in Orchard Park with the Buffalo Bills being surprised by the absence of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

"That's one of those deals where you talk to them, felt like that was the priority, and they'll be ready roll, and they'll be taking care of themselves over the break, and then they'll be ready to roll when we report to Irvine on July 25th," McVay added.

Donald also missed OTAs due to family reasons, along with wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who at the time was expecting the birth of his child. While the Rams will wait for the former Super Bowl MVP's return, they got Kupp back for Tuesday's minicamp.

The good news for the Rams is the extra time off the field can further prevent the risk of injury for Donald. The 32-year-old totaled 49 tackles, 10 for a loss, with five sacks and 11 quarterback hits, after playing in 11 games due to injury.

Donald's prolonged absence has allowed the Rams further to develop the depth below him on the depth chart.

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