Rams Plan Full Roster for Melbourne Opener Against 49ers

Head coach Sean McVay confirmed Friday that Aaron Donald will travel to Australia for the Los Angeles Rams' season opener.

Head coach Sean McVay confirmed Friday that the Los Angeles Rams plan to bring their entire roster to Melbourne, Australia, for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. This travel itinerary includes defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who signed with the team on Sunday after initially retiring in March 2024. While McVay stated on Monday there was "absolutely" a possibility that Donald would not make the trip, he shifted his stance at the end of the week, stating, "Yes, that's the plan."

Aaron Donald's Return to Practice

Donald participated in individual drills during his first day back on Sunday but did not practice on Monday. McVay noted that this absence was a predetermined part of the defensive lineman's acclimation process. The coach has declined to set a specific timeline for when the veteran will appear in his first game since returning to the NFL. As of Friday, the coaching staff does not have a definitive sense of whether Donald will be active for the matchup against San Francisco.

The ramp-up process for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has been described by McVay as "really good." The coach highlighted Donald's intentional approach to his rhythm and routine as he prepares for full-speed competition. The upcoming week is expected to be a significant indicator of his readiness, as the team looks for him to participate in 11-on-11 settings with pads. This phase of training will test his eye progression and his ability to take on double-teams.

Puka Nacua Injury Progress

Wide receiver Puka Nacua is also showing signs of recovery as he rehabilitates a psoas injury affecting his core and lower back. Nacua sustained the injury on Aug. 11 during a joint practice session with the Dallas Cowboys. After a period of sidelined recovery, the receiver returned to the practice field this past Sunday. McVay reported that Nacua has been hitting high-speed yardage targets at a productive rate under the supervision of team doctor Reggie Scott.

McVay expressed confidence in the depth of his roster should specific starters be unable to play in the opener. If Donald is not ready to go, the coach noted he has high confidence in the players who have been taking the majority of the repetitions during the preseason. The team will continue to evaluate Donald's status on a day-to-day basis leading up to the flight to Melbourne.

Roster Strategy for Australia Trip

The decision to bring the full squad to Australia marks a definitive logistical choice for the Rams' international season debut. By including Donald in the travel party, the team keeps the door open for his participation until the final hours before kickoff. McVay emphasized that the decision will ultimately depend on how the player feels after a full week of padded work. The Rams are prioritizing the health and conditioning of their personnel as they transition from the offseason to the regular season schedule.