LOS ANGELES (AP) — The first-place Los Angeles Rams don’t expect Aaron Donald to come out of retirement to join their playoff run, and coach Sean McVay says he’d be uncomfortable even asking.

When McVay was asked Monday if he saw any possibility of a comeback by the Rams’ eight-time All-Pro defensive lineman, he made it clear he doesn’t expect it. He also said he wouldn’t even initiate that conversation with Donald, who retired last March after 10 seasons.

“I have a really special relationship with Aaron,” McVay said. “He’s done so much, and he puts so much effort into everything. I would almost feel disrespectful to reach out to him, just based on the principles and knowing him as I do. If it was something that he became interested in, then would obviously be something that you’re always open to, but I almost feel like it would be disrespectful to bring up that subject with him, just based on our conversations and the clarity and completeness that he felt he had when he walked away when he did it.”

Rams fans have been irrationally hoping for a Donald comeback ever since he stepped out of the game at just 32 years old while still at the peak of his formidable talents. Donald won three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and was selected to 10 Pro Bowls over a decade, highlighted by the Rams’ Super Bowl triumph in February 2022.

Donald finished with a franchise-record 111 sacks in a career spent entirely with the Rams in St. Louis and Los Angeles. He has given no public reason to his fans’ hopes for a comeback, other than his regular attendance at sporting events in the Los Angeles area — including at least one Rams game.

“I don’t think there’s anything but positive vibes, and I don’t think he could have any regrets based on how he handled every day of his career,” McVay said. “I know he’s very happy doing the things he’s doing right now, and he’s sticking with what we’re doing, and he still physically looks like he could go and do some really special things on the field. But that would not be something that would come up, out of respect for him and our relationship.”

Donald probably couldn’t return this season even if he wanted to, because players on the reserve/retired list can’t come back after Week 12. Donald was still under contract when he retired, meaning the Rams would have to release him if they wanted to sign him for the rest of this season — but then Donald would go undrafted through waivers.

The Rams had to rebuild their defensive line after Donald’s departure, but that has been the strength of their inconsistent defense. Second-year pros Kobie Turner and Byron Young have combined with rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske to fill Los Angeles’ pass rush and run defense with young, dynamic talent — albeit none at Donald’s unique level.

McVay also said the Rams have not discussed a reunion with receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who waived Miami last week. Beckham caught a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl and formed a tight bond with McVay and several Rams teammates during his memorable half-season in Los Angeles.

“It’s not something that we’ve talked about yet,” McVay said. “You know the respect I have for him, but it’s not something we’ve discussed.”

Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp headline the Rams’ solid group of receivers, with Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell playing significant supporting roles.

The Rams (8-6) have swept the NFC West with seven wins in nine games since the bye week. They control their playoff destiny as they prepare for a trip to face the New York Jets this weekend, followed by home games with Arizona (7-7) and Seattle (8-6).

“It doesn’t change anything that we’ve been talking about for the last few weeks,” McVay said of the Rams’ rally to first place after a 1-4 start. “Unless the season ended today, everything is just temporary. … Everything is not relevant if we don’t continue to do something about it.”

NOTES: McVay isn’t sure if starting CB Cobie Durant will be ready to return from the bruised lung that sidelined him Thursday against San Francisco. Durant must clear another medical hurdle. … TE Tyler Higbee will be used sparingly if his season debut goes as planned in New York, McVay said. Higbee, the most productive tight end in Rams history, has not played since tearing ligaments in his knee in last January’s playoff loss to Detroit.

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