Aaron Donald remains out for Rams season opener in Melbourne
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 9:35 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams will play their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, without defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Head coach Sean McVay opted to leave the 35-year-old in California to allow for further physical preparation after his two-year absence from the league. Donald recently signed a one-year contract with the Rams following his retirement after the 2023 season. Braden Fiske, a 2024 second-round draft pick, is expected to fill the defensive tackle position on the depth chart during the Week 1 matchup. Provided his conditioning progresses, Donald is expected to be available for the Rams' next game against the New York Giants on September 21.
- •Aaron Donald will not travel to Melbourne for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
- •The Rams signed the defensive tackle to a one-year deal worth up to $30 million.
- •Braden Fiske will start in place of Donald on the defensive line.
- •The Rams return to SoFi Stadium for a September 21 game against the New York Giants.
- 9:35 PMYahoo Sports — Rams fans to wait at least 2 weeks before Aaron Donald’s return
- 9:22 PMYahoo Sports — When will Aaron Donald actually make his Rams debut in 2026?
"Aaron Donald’s return to the Los Angeles Rams will have to wait as the team prepares for its season opener without the veteran defensive tackle.
"It shouldn't be too long before we see Aaron Donald terrorizing opposing quarterbacks for the Rams again.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 9:35 PMRams fans to wait at least 2 weeks before Aaron Donald’s return
Aaron Donald’s return to the Los Angeles Rams will have to wait as the team prepares for its season opener without the veteran defensive tackle.
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 9:22 PMWhen will Aaron Donald actually make his Rams debut in 2026?
It shouldn't be too long before we see Aaron Donald terrorizing opposing quarterbacks for the Rams again.
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