Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald refused to speak about his contract status Wednesday after returning to the team before its season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

Donald was rendered inactive for the game, ostensibly due to his absence during the preseason as he held out for a new deal. He is expected to play Week 2 against the Washington Redskins.

"The way I chose to handle to handle it is the way I chose to handle it. And I'm here now," Donald said Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano.

Donald is the Rams' best defensive player by a significant margin, but his club didn't miss him too much Sunday in a 46-9 rout of the Colts.

The 26-year-old is widely considered the NFL's best defensive tackle after earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections and two consecutive appointments to the All-Pro first team.

Donald will earn $1.8 million in base salary during the 2017 season and holds a $3.2-million cap hit.