Because Donald is not going to play in the opener, Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters on Tuesday.This is a mild surprise given that McVay said in recent days that all the team's players would travel to Australia.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSIBLE.DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!Aaron Donald No.
99 of the Los Angeles Rams hugs head coach Sean McVay prior to a game against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on Jan.14, 2024, in Detroit, Mich.
(Getty Images)"He's doing a great job," McVay said of Donald."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."He's as great a competitor as there is, wants to be out there, wants to influence and effect positive change for us.
But I think he also understands there's a necessary ramp up."Ultimately, Donald and the Rams decided it was better for the 35-year-old defensive lineman, who came out of retirement on Aug.30, to continue to prepare for the long haul of the looming season rather than plug him in immediately.Donald has not played in a game since January 2024.Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals is sacked by Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Feb.
13, 2022.(Getty Images)'WE BACK': AARON DONALD RETURNS TO THE RAMS AND A DEFENSE NOW LOADED WITH MYLES GARRETT AND OTHERSDonald's next opportunity to play will be on Sept.
21 when the Rams host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.That gives Donald an extra 10 days to acclimate and prepare for his season.And why is that important to the Rams?They see themselves as not just part of the Super Bowl conversation but at the center of it.They felt that way before Donald rejoined the team and still do heading into Thursday night’s game against the 49ers without him.That's the reason McVay spent a minute discussing the depth of his defensive line.The Ram...