The Los Angeles Rams are opening the 2026 season with an NFC West showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. The important detail to add is that the game is taking place in Australia.
Aaron Donald recently came out of retirement and signed a $20 million deal to chase another title with the Rams. Yet fans were concerned about his Week 1 status given the long trip halfway across the world.
The team made a decision on his final status for the game and Rams fans won’t be happy.
Aaron Donald’s status for Rams season opener in Australia revealed
ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed the team’s decision Tuesday afternoon.
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.
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.
