Los Angeles – Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that three‑time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald will stay in Los Angeles and will not join the Rams’ trip to Australia for the opening game of the 2026 season. The veteran defensive tackle was ruled out for the Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Donald’s recovery and team plan
Donald last saw game action in January 2024 during a wild‑card loss to Detroit. His first full‑team practice, featuring 11‑on‑11 drills, took place on Sunday, and McVay emphasized that the coaching staff never intended to push him into limited reps for the opener. “He’s doing a great job,” McVay said. “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.”
The 35‑year‑old acknowledged on Monday that he is not yet where he “wanted to be” physically, but he remains confident in his performance level, describing it as “pretty damn good.” Donald’s accolades include a Pro Bowl selection in each of his ten seasons and first‑team All‑Pro honors eight times.
Myles Garrett steps in
Offseason acquisition Myles Garrett, limited by knee swelling in recent weeks, will make his Rams debut on Thursday. Garrett, who set the single‑season sack record with 23 sacks in 2025 after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns, will line up at outside linebacker opposite Byron Young, who recorded 12.0 sacks last season. “His impact has been tremendous,” McVay added.
Garrett’s presence bolsters a defensive front that has been reshaped during the offseason, giving the Rams a strong pass‑rush option while Donald continues his rehabilitation. The coaching staff expects the veteran to return to full strength in the near future, providing a formidable interior presence once he re‑joins the lineup.
What this means for the Rams
By holding Donald in Los Angeles and focusing on a cautious recovery, the Rams aim to protect the long‑term health of one of the league’s most dominant defenders. The decision also underscores the team’s confidence in Garrett’s ability to fill the immediate gap against a potent 49ers offense.
Fans can look forward to seeing Garrett’s debut on Thursday, while the organization remains optimistic that Donald will be back on the field soon, reinforcing a defense that already boasts elite talent at the line of scrimmage.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
