The Los Angeles Rams are expected to have one of the best defenses, if not the best defense, after defensive tackle Aaron Donald came out of retirement to join a unit that has Myles Garrett, Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Byron Young and Trent McDuffie. However, the Rams will wait a little bit before all those players are on the field together. Following training camp, Donald came out of retirement to join the Rams for what he hopes is a run to the Super Bowl.
He agreed to a one-year deal worth $20 million with another $10 million in potential incentives, which includes winning the Super Bowl. More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts It was unclear if he'd be available for Los Angeles' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Melbourne, Australia. Per NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, Donald will not travel with the Rams to Australia.
His next opportunity to play will come when the Rams host the New York Giants for "Monday Night Football" in Week 2. "Sources: Rams standout DT Aaron Donald will not travel to Australia for Thursday night’s opener against the 49ers and will be inactive, per me and (Rapoport)," Schefter posted on X. "The Rams want to give Donald more time to ramp up before making his much-anticipated return after two seasons of retirement.
"Aaron Donald’s next chance to play will come in nearly two weeks, when the Rams return home to host the Giants on Monday Night Football." Donald, 35, last played for the Rams in 2023. He played and started in 16 games, recording 53 tackles, eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss and three passes defensed. The Rams and 49ers are taking drastically different measures to prepare for the season opener in Australia.
Given the toll a long trip can have on NFL players, it makes sense for the Rams to keep Donald fresh for Week 2 of the season. For more on the Rams and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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