LA Rams star Aaron Donald to miss NFL Melbourne game against San Francisco 49ers
NFL star Aaron Donald will miss the Los Angeles Rams' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne due to concerns over his physical readiness. Coach Sean McVay decided to keep Donald home to allow for a proper transition back to the field after his recent return from retirement.
Why it matters
The game represents the first NFL regular-season match held in Australia, and the absence of a high-profile player like Donald is a significant development for the event.
Aaron Donald came out of two years of retirement last month. ( Getty Images: David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News )
Aaron Donald will miss the Los Angeles Rams' NFL season opener against the San Francisco 49ers at the MCG on Friday morning.
Donald is coming out of retirement in 2026 after leaving the game back in 2024.
ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the Rams-49ers game from 10:30am AEST.
Link copied Share Share article Aaron Donald will not play in the Los Angeles Rams' season opener against the 49ers at the MCG, delaying the three-time defensive player of the year's return to the field after ending his retirement last month.
"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," coach Sean McVay said.
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