The Los Angeles Rams kick off the 2026 NFL season against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday, but they'll be taking the field without one of their key players.
Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald make his return after coming out of a two-year retirement. The eight-time Pro Bowler officially re-joined the Rams on a one-year deal on Aug. 30, just before the 53-man roster deadline, after working out with the team throughout training camp and the preseason.
Donald's status was unclear heading into Week 1 and he told reporters he felt good, if not a bit rusty on Monday, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the next day that Donald would not be traveling
with the team to Australia as he continued his ramp up.
"The goal is to be in it for the long haul, a season that could stretch into February," Rapoport tweeted.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #Rams DT Aaron Donald won't travel to Australia and he's out for Thursday. pic.twitter.com/aoKt6AkaqN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2026
Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed the reports later on Tuesday during his media availability.
"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. And I think what's cool is, you have such confidence in the group that we do have."
Even without Donald, the Rams defensive line won't be lacking against their NFC West rival with Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Ty Hamilton and Tyler Davis rotating along the interior. And then, there's reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett coming off the edge.
Donald will aim for his debut against the New York Giants in Week 2 on Monday Night Football at SoFi Stadium. But in the meantime, McVay has no qualms about rolling with the group that's been there all summer.
"He's gonna be a big part," McVay said. "Aaron will add value when he's ready to go. Being two years off retirement, he's attacked this the right way, but it would've been a really quick turnaround. ... He won't make the trip and he'll be able to take good care of himself in terms of getting himself ready to go whenever that time comes."
Is Aaron Donald playing vs. the 49ers in Week 1?
No. Aaron Donald did not travel with the team to Melbourne, Australia for Thursday's season opener. Interestingly, he was the only player listed on the Rams' injury report on Thursday, with rest (non-injury related) as the official ruling.
Who will be starting in Aaron Donald's place?
The Rams boast a tremendous amount of depth along the defensive line, so they'll have no shortage of options. Expect Braden Fiske, Poona Ford and Kobie Turner to headline a rotation that will almost surely include Tyler Davis and Ty Hamilton.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Aaron Donald play in Week 1? Rams star not making trip to Australia
