Aaron Donald is officially back on the field, and the first team to face him, the 49ers, is already bracing for impact. Their coach, Kyle Shanahan, told reporters on Sunday he “definitely” anticipates seeing No. 99 on Thursday night in Melbourne for the Week 1 showdown. It’s a rude awakening for sure.
Shanahan Wasn’t Fooled, But He’s Still Worried
This isn’t exactly a shocker to Shanahan, who admitted he “wasn’t crushed” by Donald’s return because he’d mentally prepped for it a month ago. He said he “prepared for that the right way, and it is what it is.” That said, you can tell the guy is a menace. Shanahan didn’t hold back, calling Donald “a hell of a player” and flat out saying they’ll “have our work cut out for him.” He knows what’s coming.
The Offseason Party Is Officially Over
Remember when Donald unexpectedly retired after the 2023 season? Shanahan recounted that moment, saying it prompted cheering in the 49ers’ facility. He was like, “What the hell’s going on?” and then when it hit his phone, “it was probably the most we’ve celebrated in the offseason ever.” Now? He says it was “the exact opposite this year.” While Trent Williams might hold his own against Myles Garrett, imagine rookie left guard Carver Willis. He could be facing Donald directly. Talk about a “welcome to the NFL” moment, right? Donald is coming back to dominate the league he owned for a decade.
Week 1 is going to be wild. The 49ers have to figure out how to handle a player they thought was gone for good. That Thursday night game in Melbourne is going to be appointment viewing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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