Why Aaron Donald won't play for Rams in Week 1 vs. 49ers in Australia

The Los Angeles Rams had maybe the best offseason in NFL history. They vastly improved their defense, adding arguably the best edge rusher of the last decade, Myles Garrett, and the best defensive tackle of the last decade, Aaron Donald.

They will help the Rams' defense go from great last year to likely being the best in the NFL at full-strength this season. However, there is one issue for the Rams: Donald isn't playing in their Week 1 matchup.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Donald won't travel with the Rams to Australia for their Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The reason why is simple: Donald just came out of retirement, and it makes no sense to rush him back.

Why Aaron Donald isn't playing Week 1 for Rams

"Sources: Rams standout DT Aaron Donald will not travel to Australia for Thursday night's opener against the 49ers and will be inactive, per me and @rapsheet," Schefter reports.

Schefter added that the "Rams want to give Donald more time to ramp up before making his much-anticipated return after two seasons of retirement."

Donald retired and missed the entire 2024 and 2025 seasons. He last played in 2023. That was nearly three years ago. It shouldn't be a surprise that he's not ready just yet.

While he might be in a good spot physically, and from a game-sense standpoint, being ready to actually play in the NFL at such a demanding position is a different story.

Besides, this Week 1 matchup against the 49ers is happening overseas in Australia. Donald making his return to the NFL is already a big step, and doing so on a short week in Australia doesn't seem like a good idea.

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The Rams are trying to win a Super Bowl. Having Donald suit up in Week 1 when he might not be ready just yet doesn't make sense.

This defense is good enough without him to win this game. Plus, the Rams have a roster exemption with Donald as he works to come out of retirement.

While Rams fans might be eager to see Donald back out on the field, it makes little sense to have him play in Week 1 considering the travel and the team's long-term goals this season.

He'll likely play early in the season, and Week 2 at home against the New York Giants might be a date to watch. But regardless of when he returns, the Rams were always going to be cautious, and this Week 1 decision is in line with their thinking.

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