Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald won't travel with the team to Australia ahead of Thursday's season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday, per The Athletic's Nate Atkins.
The Rams reportedly want to provide the 35-year-old with more time to ramp up for game action, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.
Donald, who stepped away from football in March 2024, officially came out of retirement Aug. 30. He began taking part in individual drills immediately but didn't participate in 11-on-11 sessions until Sunday, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop.
On Monday, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year declined to confirm whether he would play in Los Angeles' opener. He didn't practice that day, instead opting to do a cardio workout.
"I'm 35, I didn't play football in two years, so you have to be smart," Donald said. "Even if I feel good, you still have to be smart."
McVay said that the team is taking a day-by-day approach with Donald ahead of his return to the field.
"I think he'll be ready to go sooner rather than later, but we're making a decision that we think is best for him and for our team," McVay added Tuesday, per the Orange County Register's Benjamin Royer. "Being two years off retirement, he's attacked this the right way, but it would have been a really quick turnaround."
The Rams will have plenty of defensive firepower despite Donald's absence. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie are expected to make their team debuts, while Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske will see a higher volume of snaps at defensive tackle.
The next opportunity for Donald to make his debut will be Sept. 21, when the Rams host the New York Giants for Monday Night Football.
