Aaron Donald ruled out of Rams’ Melbourne opener
The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle will remain in the United States and miss the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Aaron Donald will not travel to Melbourne for the Los Angeles Rams’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, ruling him out of Week 1, according to Fox Sports.
Donald will remain in the United States as the Rams prepare for Thursday night’s game, which will take place on Friday morning local time in Melbourne. The available reporting does not give a reason for his absence or attribute it to injury.
The decision comes after Donald returned to the Rams following his retirement after the 2023 season. He announced his return on 30 August and had continued a conditioning build-up ahead of the campaign.
Without Donald, the Rams are expected to rely on edge rusher Myles Garrett to lead their defensive front. Garrett joined the team after Los Angeles traded Jared Verse to the Cleveland Browns.
Donald leaves the Rams without a player who has won three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight first-team All-Pro selections and 10 Pro Bowl selections. He also won a Super Bowl with Los Angeles in February 2022.
The Rams have kept their training schedule in Woodland Hills and planned to fly closer to kick-off, while San Francisco travelled to Australia earlier to acclimatise to the time difference.
