When Aaron Donald was asked multiple times on Monday if he’ll be flying to Australia to play in the Los Angeles Rams’ season opener, he danced around the questions.
“Feeling good. Feeling really good,” he said, essentially pleading the fifth.
But on Tuesday, Sean McVay delivered on his promise to provide a clearer answer as to whether Donald will play. He told reporters that Donald will not make the trip to Australia, ruling him out for the season opener against the 49ers. Previously, McVay said all players were expected to travel to Melbourne, but that won't include Donald anymore.
Rams HC Sean McVay said Aaron Donald won’t play Thursday vs. 49ers
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) September 8, 2026
Donald came out of retirement on Aug. 30 and has only gotten in a few practices with the Rams, so
he’s still getting back into the swing of things; he even admitted he was “a little rusty” in Sunday’s practice but still feels good.
The Rams will give him more time to ramp up, opting to keep him back in Los Angeles instead of flying him 16 hours to Melbourne. The Rams' second game of the season is on Monday, Sept. 21, 11 days after their opener against the 49ers.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams DT Aaron Donald not going to Australia, won't play vs. 49ers
