But that’s not the biggest piece of news regarding the NFL’s first-ever game in Australia — it’s who head coach Sean McVay expects to be on the flight with him down under.McVay told reporters on Friday that he expects every player to make the trip to Australia, including Aaron Donald, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year who came out of retirement to join what has become a Rams superteam for the 2026 season.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMLos Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Nov.26, 2023.
(Mark J.Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)Since he declared he would come out of retirement, Donald’s Week 1 status was always in the air.
He didn’t get the same training camp the rest of the team had, though he is still in tremendous football shape.McVay even noted that he’s still not sure what will happen with Donald against their NFC West foe in Week 1.But the fact Donald will be on the plane means he has a chance to play straight away for Los Angeles.
In fact, McVay playing coy could just be gamesmanship for his respected colleague and fellow head coach, Kyle Shanahan.'WE BACK': AARON DONALD RETURNS TO THE RAMS AND A DEFENSE NOW LOADED WITH MYLES GARRETT AND OTHERSInstead, McVay said that the team is taking things "one day at a time" with the eight-time All-Pro defensive tackle who will end up in Canton one day.So, even though he should be on the flight, Rams fans should make sure "cautious" is in front of "optimism" when discussing Donald’s Week 1 status.It’s hard for them, and football fans in general, not to be excited about No.
99 returning to the Rams this season.He spent 10 years in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl honors and creating nightmares for every offensive line and quarterback he faced.If that wasn’t enough, Donald will be next to Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and a game-wrecker in his own right, on a defensive li...