Sean McVay assesses Aaron Donald readiness for Rams Week 1 game
7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 5:59 AM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay says the availability of Aaron Donald for the team's season opener remains uncertain. The defensive end, who signed a one-year deal following a two-year retirement, is currently working through practice sessions to determine his conditioning. McVay indicated that the upcoming week of preparation will be critical in deciding if the veteran can participate in the Week 1 matchup. The Rams have built depth at the position, ensuring other players are prepared to handle the workload should Donald not be ready to return to live game action. Regardless of his status for the opener, the team plans to have Donald travel for the game. The staff intends to prioritize the health and performance of the roster, ensuring he only plays when fully prepared.
- •Aaron Donald signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams after a two-year retirement.
- •Sean McVay will use the week of practice to determine if Donald is ready for Week 1.
- •The Rams possess depth at the defensive position to cover for his potential absence.
- •Donald will travel with the team to Australia regardless of his status for the game.
- 5:59 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers news: Kyle Shanahan's reaction to Aaron Donald Week 1 update is gold
- 12:24 AMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald mum on plans for season opener
- 2:48 AMESPN — 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan expects Rams' Aaron Donald to play Thu. - ESPN
- 11:16 PMYahoo Sports — McVay says entire Rams roster is traveling to Australia, but Aaron Donald's playing status still TBD
- 10:03 PMYahoo Sports — No decision on Aaron Donald's Week 1 status
- 9:01 PMYahoo Sports — Sean McVay Reveals Rams’ Week 1 Plan for Aaron Donald
"The Los Angeles Rams' entire roster will travel to Australia for their regular-season opener next week, but coach Sean McVay still isn't sure whether unretired defensive tackle Aaron Donald will play. McVay announced his plans Friday for the Rams while they began preparations for their trip to Melbourne, where they will meet the rival San Francisco 49ers. The Rams were initially equivocal on whether Donald would make the long trip for the NFL's first international game in Australia.
"The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams will make history on Friday when they battle in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground. One of the biggest storylines is the much-anticipated return of Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement to try to win his second championship. Fans, […] The post 49ers news: Kyle Shanahan's reaction to Aaron Donald Week 1 update is gold appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expects to see Aaron Donald on Thursday night, but like Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula earlier Monday, the defensive tackle declined to reveal his plans for the game in Australia.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 5:59 AM49ers news: Kyle Shanahan's reaction to Aaron Donald Week 1 update is gold
The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams will make history on Friday when they battle in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground. One of the biggest storylines is the much-anticipated return of Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement to try to win his second championship. Fans, […] The post 49ers news: Kyle Shanahan's reaction to Aaron Donald Week 1 update is gold appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 12:24 AMAaron Donald mum on plans for season opener
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expects to see Aaron Donald on Thursday night, but like Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula earlier Monday, the defensive tackle declined to reveal his plans for the game in Australia.
- ESPNSep 7, 2026, 2:48 AM49ers HC Kyle Shanahan expects Rams' Aaron Donald to play Thu. - ESPN
The Rams haven't made a decision on whether Aaron Donald will play in the season opener against the 49ers, but San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said he has no doubt the defensive tackle will be out there.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 11:16 PMMcVay says entire Rams roster is traveling to Australia, but Aaron Donald's playing status still TBD
The Los Angeles Rams' entire roster will travel to Australia for their regular-season opener next week, but coach Sean McVay still isn't sure whether unretired defensive tackle Aaron Donald will play. McVay announced his plans Friday for the Rams while they began preparations for their trip to Melbourne, where they will meet the rival San Francisco 49ers. The Rams were initially equivocal on whether Donald would make the long trip for the NFL's first international game in Australia.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 10:03 PMNo decision on Aaron Donald's Week 1 status
Rams DT Aaron Donald is traveling with team but status uncertain for Week 1
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 9:01 PMSean McVay Reveals Rams’ Week 1 Plan for Aaron Donald
Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald's status for Week 1 is still unclear heading into the start of the season. The post Sean McVay Reveals Rams’ Week 1 Plan for Aaron Donald appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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