Chairshot NFL News Report (8/6/2026): Donald Works Out, Diggs Heads Home and Football Returns

Aaron Donald works out for the Rams, Stefon Diggs joins Washington, the Hall of Fame Game opens the preseason and camp injuries test Detroit.

Aaron Donald has taken his most significant step toward potentially ending his retirement, while Stefon Diggs is preparing to join one of the NFC’s most talented offenses.

The NFL also returns to the field Thursday night as the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers open the preseason in Canton.

It’s the Chairshot NFL News Report for August 6, 2026!

Aaron Donald Works Out for the Rams

Aaron Donald completed an official workout at the Los Angeles Rams’ facility Wednesday, providing the strongest indication yet that he is seriously considering ending his retirement.

The workout appeared on the NFL’s official transaction log. Donald remains on the retired list and would need to apply for reinstatement before returning to the active roster.

Sean McVay joked that it was the best tryout the Rams had ever conducted and said he believed Donald could make the team.

Donald retired following the 2023 season and did not play in either 2024 or 2025. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year recorded 111 sacks and 24 forced fumbles across 154 games during his first 10 seasons with Los Angeles.

Myles Garrett, whom the Rams acquired during the offseason, previously revealed that Donald had expressed serious interest in returning. Pairing the two former Defensive Players of the Year would give Los Angeles one of the most intimidating defensive fronts in football.

A workout does not guarantee that Donald will return. He must still determine whether his body can handle another NFL season after two years away, and the Rams would need to establish a workload that does not expect a 35-year-old defensive tackle to immediately play every snap.

The possibility alone changes expectations surrounding Los Angeles. Donald would not need to reproduce his peak seasons to make the Rams significantly more dangerous.

Stefon Diggs Set to Join Commanders

The Washington Commanders are set to sign four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to a one-year contract worth up to $12 million through incentives.

Diggs spent last season with New England and caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. It marked his seventh 1,000-yard season in the past eight years.

The 32-year-old also recorded 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown during New England’s run to Super Bowl LX.

Diggs was acquitted in May following an assault case in Massachusetts. The NFL subsequently determined there was insufficient evidence that he violated the league’s personal conduct policy, leaving him eligible to play without a suspension.

The Maryland native now returns to the Washington area and joins a receiving group led by Terry McLaurin. Both veterans will become primary targets for third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Washington is not asking Diggs to carry the passing game alone. McLaurin remains the established lead receiver, allowing Diggs to attack favorable matchups and give Daniels another dependable option on critical downs.

The one-year structure also limits Washington’s risk. If Diggs remains productive, he can help push the Commanders deeper into the postseason. If age or injuries reduce his effectiveness, the team is not committed beyond this season.

Hall of Fame Game Opens the NFL Preseason

The NFL’s 107th season begins Thursday when the Arizona Cardinals face the Carolina Panthers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.

The game will be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, beginning at 8 PM ET. Arizona has been designated as the home team.

Members of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be recognized before the game. The class includes former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, Drew Brees, Roger Craig and Adam Vinatieri.

2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

• Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers
• Time – 8 PM ET
• Location – Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio
• Television – NBC

The final score matters less than the evaluations taking place behind the starters. Both teams will use the additional preseason game to examine rookies, backup quarterbacks and players competing for the final roster positions.

The game also allows the NFL to introduce its latest rule changes under live conditions before the full preseason schedule begins.

Sione Vaki Suffers Freak Facial Injury

Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki suffered a broken nose and an eye injury when another player’s hand went through his face mask during practice.

Dan Campbell described the incident as a freak injury and said Vaki’s vision is expected to recover. The running back will still need time away while the injuries heal.

Vaki had been receiving first-team repetitions while Jahmyr Gibbs remained out of practice during contract negotiations. He has primarily contributed on special teams through his first two seasons but entered camp attempting to earn a larger offensive role.

Detroit recently signed Raheem Blackshear and also evaluated several available running backs, including Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The injury creates another complication for a backfield already operating without Gibbs. Detroit still has Isiah Pacheco and several younger options, but Vaki was receiving valuable repetitions that could have helped him establish a defined role.

The Lions do not need to panic over one position group in August. They do need enough healthy runners to conduct meaningful practices while the organization works toward resolving Gibbs’ contract situation.

49ers Add KhaDarel Hodge and Ogbo Okoronkwo

The San Francisco 49ers have signed receiver KhaDarel Hodge and defensive lineman Ogbo Okoronkwo to one-year contracts.

Hodge joins the roster after Ricky Pearsall suffered a season-ending knee injury. The 31-year-old spent the previous four seasons with Atlanta and has caught 67 passes for 1,026 yards and two touchdowns during his career.

Most of Hodge’s recent work has come on special teams, giving San Francisco an experienced player capable of contributing without requiring a major offensive role.

Okoronkwo has recorded 17 sacks across 80 career games. He appeared in only one game for Philadelphia last season after suffering a torn triceps.

San Francisco created the necessary roster space by waiving defensive linemen Kevin Givens and Cameron Sample.

Hodge cannot replace Pearsall’s expected production by himself. His immediate value will come through special teams and providing a reliable veteran option while San Francisco determines how to redistribute receiving opportunities.

Okoronkwo gives the defense another rotational pass rusher with experience in multiple systems. Staying healthy will be his first challenge after losing nearly all of last season.

NFL Transactions — August 5, 2026

• Houston Texans – Signed wide receiver Montrell Washington
• Detroit Lions – Signed wide receiver Tarik Black
• Jacksonville Jaguars – Signed offensive lineman Sam Mustipher
• New York Giants – Signed cornerback D.J. James
• New York Giants – Signed cornerback David Long
• Carolina Panthers – Signed offensive lineman Jake Curhan
• Carolina Panthers – Signed offensive lineman Parker Petersen
• Miami Dolphins – Signed defensive lineman Fatorma Mulbah
• New York Jets – Signed defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins
• Las Vegas Raiders – Signed tight end Chris Myarick

Donald’s workout carries the greatest potential to change a championship race, but it remains only the beginning of the process. Los Angeles must determine whether one of the greatest defenders in NFL history is ready for another full season rather than merely capable of completing a workout.

Diggs represents a more immediate improvement. Washington has added another established receiver without surrendering draft capital or accepting a long-term financial commitment.

Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game officially shifts the focus toward the field. Training-camp reports will continue, but teams can finally begin evaluating players against an actual opponent.