The San Francisco 49ers and the rest of the NFC West got some bad news Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams officially announced the anticipated return of future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald. However, the 49ers may not have to face Donald twice.
According to Rams head coach Sean McVay, it isn't a certainty that Donald will suit up for his club's Week 1 matchup with the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
"You guys know how close we are and there’s been a lot of dialogue that we’ve had and excited to be able to just take it a day at a time," McVay told reporters after Sunday's practice. "I’m not going to talk about any sort of plans. It’s going to be a day at a time for us. What does that mean for Australia? The first step was, all right,
if you’re coming back, let’s do that, let’s get you on the practice field, let’s get you acclimated to your teammates, to your coaches, and then we’ll see what that ramp-up period looks like, whether or not he’s available or whether or not we think it’s best to be able to play him in Australia. I think the best way to do it is to take it one day at a time, but we’re obviously excited to be able to have him back.”
It sounds a lot like the dialogue the 49ers are using about tight end George Kittle who is still tracking to play in Week 1 after tearing his Achilles in January. There's hope he'll be available, but they won't make any declarations until they see him in practice in the lead up to the game.
The Rams' travel plans give them a few extra days to decide on Donald, however. They aren't leaving until the Wednesday before the game, whereas the 49ers are leaving Wednesday the week before the game. LA will get essentially a full week and a half to decide on Donald's status. The 49ers will need to figure it out in the two-and-a-half days they have until they board a flight to Australia.
San Francisco will surely plan on facing Donald, who will be an immediate test for the uncertain left side of their offensive line. The future Hall of Famer may be facing off against left guard Carver Willis, who would be making his NFL debut at a brand new position.
And while the 49ers may not actively be hoping Donald doesn't play in Week 1, they'd surely be okay with him missing that game and only needing to see him one time when the Rams visit Levi's Stadium in Week 14.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers may not face Rams superstar Aaron Donald in Week 1 matchup
