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Sports

Donald sits out Rams’ Australia opener

Aaron Donald won't travel with Rams to Australia, will be inactive for Week 1 matchup against 49ers.

The Briefly Pulse Desk September 8, 2026 1 min read
Donald sits out Rams' Australia opener
Editorial image sourced from espn.com.

The update

Los Angeles Rams standout defensive tackle Aaron Donald will not travel to Australia for Thursday night’s opener against the San Francisco 49ers and will be inactive, coach Sean McVay announced Tuesday. The Rams want to give Donald more time to ramp up before making his much-anticipated return after two seasons of retirement.

Why it matters

Donald’s absence creates a significant defensive challenge for the Rams in their high-profile international opener. The eight-time All-Pro officially came out of retirement on Aug. 30, joining the team just before the 53-man roster deadline. The decision to sit him out appears focused on ensuring he can remain healthy throughout the entire season rather than rushing back for Week 1.

What to watch

How will the Rams adjust their defensive strategy without Donald against the 49ers? Will Donald be ready to make his season debut in Week 2 against the New York Giants? How will this decision impact the team’s long-term defensive chemistry?

Sources

  • espn.com — confirming Donald's inactivity and McVay's comments
  • USA TODAY Sports — context on Donald's return timeline and Week 2 expectations

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