Aaron Donald Ruled Out for Rams' Season Opener in Australia

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be inactive for the Los Angeles Rams' Thursday night game against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald will not travel to Melbourne, Australia, for the team's Thursday night season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Coach Sean McVay announced Tuesday that Donald will be inactive for the Week 1 contest, citing a necessary ramp-up period for the veteran who ended his retirement on Aug. 30.

Donald participated in individual drills on the day of his return but did not engage in 11-on-11 team sessions until Sept. 6. During Tuesday's practice, he was listed as a limited participant. While Donald noted on Monday that he felt "a little rusty" during recent team drills, he maintained that his physical movement showed no significant drop-off despite not playing football for two years.

In contrast to Donald’s status, McVay expects defensive end Myles Garrett to be available for the opener. Although Garrett did not practice Tuesday due to swelling in his knee, the coach stated the defender would be "ready to go" for the matchup.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Wednesday that he was preparing for Donald to play and expressed relief that the 49ers would not face him this week. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch at Levi's Stadium during Week 14. McVay has not established a specific timeline for Donald's return to the active roster.