Aaron Donald will not participate in the Los Angeles Rams’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday morning. This marks a delay in the return of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, who recently came out of retirement after stepping away from the sport in 2024.
Coach Sean McVay announced that the decision to keep Donald at home was made in consideration of both his well-being and the team’s needs. “I believe he will be ready to play sooner rather than later. However, we are making a choice we believe is best for him and our team,” McVay stated.
At 35 years old, Donald rejoined the Rams in August following a two-year absence and has been working diligently to regain his game form. Given the long 16-hour flight ahead of the 10:35 AM match, McVay opted for caution, allowing Donald to continue his training without the added strain of travel.
The Rams are arriving in Melbourne just a day prior to their season opener, while the 49ers have been in Australia for a week. Donald had previously been noncommittal about his playing status after taking a practice day off to concentrate on his cardiovascular fitness, expressing satisfaction with how his body has been responding to his return to the game. “I feel good, shaking off the rust,” Donald noted. “I expected to be much rustier than I am, but I’m taking it one day at a time.”
In the past seasons, the Rams have been preparing their defense for a future without Donald, drafting players such as Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, acquiring Poona Ford through free agency, and trading for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. McVay indicated that his confidence in these players played a significant role in the decision not to rush Donald back into action.
