Rams Hold Star Defender Out of Australia Game Despite Earlier Travel Promise

Clear Facts

• Aaron Donald will not travel to Australia for the Rams’ season opener against the 49ers on Thursday night
• The 35-year-old defensive lineman returned from retirement on August 30 and has not played since January 2024
• Donald’s next opportunity to play will be September 21 against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football

The Los Angeles Rams are taking a cautious approach with defensive star Aaron Donald, holding him out of Thursday night’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. The decision represents a shift from earlier statements that all players would make the trip.

Rams coach Sean McVay confirmed Tuesday that Donald would not be included in the team’s travel party for the international matchup. The veteran defender will instead continue his preparation stateside.

“He’s doing a great job,” McVay said of Donald.

“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. He’s as great a competitor as there is, wants to be out there, wants to influence and effect positive change for us. But I think he also understands there’s a necessary ramp up.”

The 35-year-old defensive lineman came out of retirement on August 30 after sitting out since January 2024. Rather than rushing him into action, the Rams are prioritizing long-term readiness over immediate deployment.

Team sources indicated concern about exposing Donald to potential soft-tissue injuries that could linger throughout the season if he’s inserted into the lineup too quickly. The organization views this as a marathon approach rather than a sprint, with eyes on a deep playoff run.

Donald will have an extra 10 days to prepare for his season debut, which is now scheduled for September 21 when the Rams host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. That additional time allows for proper conditioning and acclimation to game-speed demands.

The Rams consider themselves legitimate Super Bowl contenders this season. They held that view before Donald’s return and maintain it heading into Thursday’s opener without him, confident in their defensive line depth.

The team departed Los Angeles International Airport Tuesday night for the approximately 15-hour flight to Melbourne. They’ll arrive Thursday morning local time due to the 14-hour time difference, essentially losing Wednesday in transit.

After checking into their hotel Thursday morning, the Rams will face the 49ers at 10:35 a.m. Friday in Melbourne—8:35 p.m. ET Thursday in the United States.

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