Sean McVay monitors Aaron Donald status for Rams season opener in Australia

21 sources • 4 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 4:03 PM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Sean McVay monitors Aaron Donald status for Rams season opener in Australia
Summary

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that 10-time Pro Bowler Aaron Donald is expected to travel with the team to Australia for their Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Donald, who returned from retirement for the 2026 season, has not participated in offseason programs or preseason games. McVay noted that the team is evaluating his readiness on a day-to-day basis following a positive ramp-up process. While his availability remains uncertain, team officials indicated that his inclusion on the flight to Melbourne would likely suggest he intends to play. The Rams are scheduled to travel to Australia the day before the game, a decision McVay defended as part of the team's planned rhythm and routine. The team will assess his physical status throughout the week before finalizing the roster for the upcoming matchup.

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Status Watch
  • •Sean McVay expects Aaron Donald to travel to Australia for the Week 1 game against the 49ers.
  • •Donald has not played in a competitive game since the 2023 season.
  • •The Rams coach described Donald's ramp-up process as productive.
  • •McVay defended the team’s travel schedule despite the 49ers arriving earlier to acclimate to the environment.
  • •The team will monitor Donald’s progress throughout the week before determining his playing status.
Latest Updates
  • 4:03 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald ruled out of the Rams’ season opener against the 49ers, won’t travel to Australia
  • 1:06 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Aaron Donald Is Worse Than LeBron James’ — Radio Host Rips ‘Selfish’ Rams Star for Skipping Week 1 Australia Game
  • 12:54 AMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald Won’t Travel to Australia, Ruled Out for Rams’ Season Opener
  • 10:50 PMYahoo Sports — San Francisco 49ers get significant news about Aaron Donald before Melbourne opener
  • 9:49 PMYahoo Sports — 49ers will avoid facing Rams DT Aaron Donald, who won't travel to Australia
  • 9:04 PMESPN — Rams' Donald won't travel to Australia, out against 49ers
  • 8:39 PMYahoo Sports — Rams Reveal Aaron Donald’s Status for Season Opener in Australia
  • 8:34 PMCBS NFL — Aaron Donald will not play in Rams' opener against 49ers in Australia: When will legendary DT make 2026 debut?
What they're saying
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Aaron Donald has been a Los Angeles Rams player again for nine days. He signed on Aug. 30, after training camp and the preseason had already closed, took the practice field the same afternoon, and has worked through a handful of sessions at the team’s facility since. Sean McVay settled the question on Tuesday, telling […] The post San Francisco 49ers get significant news about Aaron Donald before Melbourne opener appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.

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After two seasons out of football, Aaron Donald has been pleasantly surprised by how his body has reacted since rejoining the Los Angeles Rams last month. Whether it means the three-time Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year will be ready to play in the Rams’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday morning local time is still unclear. “We going day by day,” Donald said.

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Aaron Donald’s return to the NFL has already sparked controversy before he has even played a game. The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle came out of retirement after more than two years away from football, but he will not suit up for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

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