The San Francisco 49ers have touched down in Australia for their Week 1 matchup next Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
One of the biggest storylines entering the contest is legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement to rejoin Los Angeles after an historic career that ended following the 2023 season.
Donald revealed earlier this week that he’d be coming out of retirement, making it a somewhat last-minute decision despite him staying in shape over the last few months as he tried to make a decision.
Donald’s Status vs. 49ers
Whether the 49ers should plan on facing Donald or not is a big deal because it will be quite challenging to determine what version of him they’ll see.
However, Rams head coach Sean McVay said Donald’s status for Thursday night remains “undetermined, but he expects the entire team to travel to Australia in the coming days.
Via NFL.com: “All Rams players are expected to fly to Australia for the Rams’ Week 1 game against the 49ers, head coach Sean McVay said.”
NFL.com also noted: “DL Aaron Donald and the team will take things day by day but there is no decision yet as to whether he will play in the season opener, McVay said.
Aaron Donald’s status for Week 1 game vs. 49ers still to be determined; Sean McVay expects all Rams players to travel to Australia for season openerhttps://t.co/o1Mtv9L0sP pic.twitter.com/DMCWzW1Bd8
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 4, 2026
Donald’s NFL Career
Drafted in 2014, Donald spent 10 seasons in the NFL and made the Pro Bowl every single year, solidifying himself as one of the greatest defensive players of all time.
He’s an eight-time first-team All-Pro, three-time Defensive Player of the Year and helped the Rams win a Super Bowl in the 2021-22 season.
In 154 career games, he recorded 340 solo tackles, 260 QB hits, 176 tackles for loss, 111.0 sacks and 24 forced fumbles.
Will the San Francisco 49ers Face Aaron Donald in Week 1? Latest on His Status