Aaron Donald ruled out of Rams’ Australia opener against 49ers

Aaron Donald will not play in the Los Angeles Rams’ 2026 season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, coach Sean McVay announced on Tuesday.

ESPN and NFL Media reported that Donald will also remain in the United States rather than travel with the Rams. The available reporting does not give a reason for his absence or attribute it to an injury.

Donald announced his return to football on 30 August after retiring following the 2023 season. He had been completing workouts and a ramp-up period to assess his readiness to resume playing after two seasons away.

His next available opportunity is the Rams’ home game against the New York Giants on 21 September. A Week 2 debut has not been confirmed, however, and the team’s next home fixture after that is not scheduled until 12 October or later.

Donald’s final season before retirement produced eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss and his eighth first-team All-Pro selection. CBS Sports reported that the longer preparation period will now extend into at least Week 2.