Aaron Donald's status for Rams' Week 1 game against 49ers revealed

He cites sources claiming Donald will not even travel across the Pacific Ocean for the game. This seems to make a ton of sense as Donald has not played in the NFL since the 2023 season. He did not participate in training camp or the preseason either.

Sean McVay discussed the decision to sit Donald. 

“He’s doing a great job,” McVay said, via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “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. … He’s attacked this the right way, but it would have been a really quick turnaround.”

The way the team's schedule is set out gives Donald plenty of time to ramp up and return in Week 2 against the New York Giants. That game takes place on Sept. 21, a Monday night well over a week after the game in Australia.

Giants fans, meanwhile, are hoping Donald remains out as the prospect of facing a defensive line with him and Myles Garrett is a terrifying thought for any opposing offense.

The team did give Donald a $20 million deal with up to $10 million more in incentives. That means he is expected to play and will want to play to chase those incentives.

Having him sit out Week 1 avoids the possibility of him returning too soon and ending his comeback before it can even begin.