Aaron Donald won’t make his NFL comeback outside the United States.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters Tuesday that Donald won’t travel with the team to Australia. The star defensive tackle will be inactive for Thursday’s season-opening game against the San Francisco 49ers.
McVay explained the decision, per Benjamin Royer of the Orange County Register.
“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 said. “… Being two years off retirement, he’s attacked this the right way, but it would have been a really quick turnaround.”
When will Aaron Donald return?
It’s hardly a shocking move, as Donald officially rejoined the Rams with less than two weeks to prepare for an international Week 1 matchup. He didn’t participate in his first 11-on-11 team drill until Sunday.
The Rams waited to rule out a Week 1 return, but they’ll give the 35-year-old more time rather than rushing him back for a pivotal NFC West game.
Donald deflected when asked Monday if he planned to join the team in Australia. While the three-time Defensive Player of the Year stressed that he’s still taking his return one day at a time, he also said he’s encouraged by his first few days back with the team.
“It’s been good,” Donald said. “It’s better than what I thought it would be, honestly. Things have been clicking a little bit faster. Feeling good, knocking the rust off.”
The development is welcome news for the 49ers, who expect defensive superstar Nick Bosa to make his return from a torn ACL on Thursday. They won’t have to worry about Donald until their Week 14 meeting at Santa Clara.
Donald will have extra time to potentially prepare for a Week 2 return against the New York Giants on Monday, Sept. 21.
