Los Angeles – Defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who returned to the Rams after a two‑year retirement, told reporters on Monday that he is “feeling good, feeling really good” but stopped short of confirming his participation in the team’s season‑opening matchup in Melbourne, Australia.
Health and readiness
Donald, now 35, emphasized that while he feels great, he remains cautious about jumping back into full‑time play after a lengthy hiatus. “You don’t play football in two years, you got to be smart,” he said. “Even if I feel good, you still gotta be smart.” The veteran has only had one 11‑on‑11 practice since signing a one‑year, $20 million contract on Aug. 30, and he took a scheduled day off on Monday.
Team preparation
The Rams are set to depart for Melbourne on Tuesday for a Thursday night game against the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula offered little additional insight, noting that Donald’s status is being evaluated on a day‑by‑day basis. Shula said, “We’re ready for him if he does, ready for him if he doesn’t. And we’ll have a plan for however many plays he feels like he can go and we’ll go from there.”
Impact on the roster
Donald’s return adds a formidable presence to a defense that also acquired reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett this offseason, making the Rams a preseason favorite for the Super Bowl. Over his 154‑game career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles franchise, Donald amassed 111 sacks, 543 tackles, 176 tackles for loss, 24 forced fumbles and seven recoveries, and earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his ten seasons.
What fans can expect
While Donald has not committed to the trip, his comments suggest he is monitoring his health and the team’s game plan closely. Rams supporters will be watching the situation closely as the team prepares for its first international regular‑season game, a historic moment for the NFL and a showcase for the franchise’s defensive talent.
Regardless of Donald’s final decision, the Rams remain confident in their depth and preparation. The organization’s focus is on executing a solid game plan against a strong 49ers squad, and they have indicated they will adapt whether Donald is on the field or not.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
