Sean McVay confirms the plan for Aaron Donald trip to Australia

The Rams have reached decision week on Aaron Donald, but coach Sean McVay still doesn’t know whether the future Hall of Fame defensive tackle will play in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.But he did confirm the possibility of Donald’s return being on the table.When asked during Friday’s press conference whether all of the players on the active roster would go to Australia, the Rams coach was curt but informative.“Yeah, that’s the plan.”McVay said the next several days will be critical in determining whether Donald is physically prepared to return to an NFL game after spending two seasons away from football.The Rams will practice Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before leaving for Melbourne.

Kickoff is on Thursday, although Friday morning in Australia.And while McVay said he expects everyone on the roster to make the long trip, that doesn’t mean everyone will be available to play.“This week will be a big week for him in terms of how he feels,” said McVay.

“We’ll just kind of take it a day at a time and see where he’s at.”If Donald proves he is ready, he will play.If he isn’t, the Rams won’t force the issue merely because the opener is being played on an international stage against a division rival.“If he feels good enough to go great if not, we got a lot of confidence and the other guys that’ll be ready to set up up,” said McVay.That sounds simple enough.

Determining what “ready” looks like after such a long absence is the complicated part.Donald has spent the last several months rebuilding his body and preparing for the possibility of returning.Since rejoining the Rams, however, the challenge has shifted from conditioning and strength work to reacclimating himself to the speed, physicality and demands of professional football.There is no workout capable of completely replicating that.This week should give McVay, Donald and the Rams’ medical and performance staffs their clearest indicati...