LOS ANGELES — Recently unretired Aaron Donald won’t be making the trip and won’t play in the Rams’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, coach Sean McVay said.
“I think he’ll be ready to go sooner rather than later,” McVay said of the star defensive tackle, who ended a two-year retirement to return to the Rams. “But we’re making a decision that we think is best for him and for our team. … being two years off of retirement, he’s attacked this the right way, but it would have been a really quick turnaround. And so we feel like he can manage being able to get himself ready to go, and he won’t make the trip. And he’ll be able to take good care of himself in terms of getting himself ready to go whenever that time comes.”
McVay, along with defensive coordinator Chris Shula had been tight-lipped when it came to whether Donald would suit up for Week 1 action, declining to say whether he’d play until Tuesday’s press conference before practice and their evening flight to Melbourne. On Monday, Donald repeated that he was “feeling good,” but did not give any credence to questions asking about his game status or whether he’d travel.
“I’m feeling really good,” Donald said Monday, adding that he returned to 11-on-11 drills on Sunday which he thought went “pretty damn good”.
Donald continued: “Feeling great. Coming up with a game plan and seeing what’s going on, but I’m telling you, I feel great.”
Although Donald said that he was shaking off a bit of rust, McVay said Tuesday that he didn’t seen it during practice Sunday.
“He’s got great standards for himself,” McVay said.” I think there’s an intrinsic motivation and just the way that he’s wired that is what makes him so special. And so, you guys know how I feel about him, and I’ll be excited when that time comes that he’s ready to go and add value to this group.”
Outside linebacker Myles Garrett, who missed most of training camp and the preseason with knee swelling, will play Friday morning (5:35 p.m. PT Thursday) against the 49ers. Garrett returned to practice on Sunday.
“He’s going to be ready to go,” McVay said. “He’s looked great. We’ve been smart with Myles like I’ve kind of told you guys, but his impact has been tremendous. His overall vibe, what kind of teammate he’s been. And so, looking forward to getting him out there with the guys and being a great factor for us.
More to come on this story.