Aaron Donald, the defensive tackle legend who just came out of retirement, won’t be suiting up for the Los Angeles Rams in their Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. That’s right, after all the hype around his comeback, the Rams are holding him out of their first game, a decision that speaks volumes about their long-term vision.
The Comeback Kid Takes a Detour
Can you believe it? Donald, who missed the entire 2024 and 2025 seasons and last played in 2023, is taking it slow. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Donald will not travel with the team to Australia and will be inactive. Schefter added that the Rams’ intention is to “give Donald more time to ramp up before making his much-anticipated return.” Think about it: nearly three years out of the game, even for a player of Donald’s caliber, means a serious re-acclimation to the brutal demands of the NFL. Throw in an overseas trip to Australia on a short week? That’s just not a smart way to bring back one of the best to ever do it. The Rams are playing it incredibly safe, and honestly, you can’t blame them.
Super Bowl Ambitions, Smart Decisions
This isn’t about the Rams not needing Donald; it’s about playing the long game. This offseason, the Rams went absolutely wild, snagging arguably the best edge rusher of the last decade, Myles Garrett, and then luring Donald out of retirement. Their defense went from great to what’s likely the best in the NFL when fully healthy. When you’re trying to win a Super Bowl, risking your superstar on a demanding Week 1 road trip doesn’t make any sense. The defense, even without him, is good enough to handle the 49ers in Australia. They even have a roster exemption for Donald as he ramps up, showing just how committed they are to a cautious approach. Rams fans might be dying to see him play, but the team’s long-term goals mean patience is key. Donald will absolutely play early in the season. Keep your eyes peeled for Week 2, when the Rams are at home against the New York Giants. That’s gotta be the target.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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