Aaron Donald Ruled Out for Rams’ Week 1 Clash With 49ers in Australia

LOS ANGELES — Aaron Donald’s highly anticipated return to the Los Angeles Rams will have to wait at least another week.

Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed Tuesday that Donald will not play in the team’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, as Los Angeles continues to take a cautious approach with the legendary defensive lineman following his return from retirement.

“He won't play in this game,” McVay said. “He's doing a great job. I think he'll be ready to go sooner rather than later, but we're making a decision that we think is best for him and for our team.”

Donald, who has been away from NFL action for two years, will not make the lengthy trip to Australia. Instead, he will remain home and continue preparing for his eventual return.

McVay stressed that the decision is about giving Donald enough time to properly ramp up after such a lengthy absence rather than any major concern about his performance in practice.

Donald recently described himself as “rusty” after participating in 11-on-11 work, but McVay had a different assessment.

“He didn't look rusty,” McVay said. “He's got great standards for himself.”

While McVay acknowledged Week 2 as a possibility for Donald's debut, he stopped short of setting a firm timetable.

Myles Garrett Ready for Rams Debut

While Donald will be missing from the Rams' defensive front, Los Angeles expects Myles Garrett to be ready for the opener McVay said Garrett has looked strong since returning to practice and praised the veteran pass rusher for the impact he has already made on his new teammates.

“He's going to be ready to go,” McVay said. “He's looked great. "Garrett offered an equally encouraging assessment of his health“ I feel ready for the season opener,” Garrett said.

The matchup will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Garrett after spending his previous NFL seasons in Cleveland. Despite not playing during the preseason, Garrett expressed confidence that he can immediately make an impact alongside a Rams defense he believes has plenty of talent around him.

Garrett has also spent time working with Donald since joining Los Angeles, describing the experience as “special” and praising Donald's approach to the game.

The Rams' defensive line will still feature several established contributors while Donald works his way back, including Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Tyler Davis and Ty Hamilton. McVay emphasized that the team's depth up front gives Los Angeles the flexibility to avoid rushing Donald back.