Overview
- Rams coach Sean McVay confirmed Tuesday that Donald will not make the trip to Melbourne and is officially ruled out for the season opener against the 49ers.
- The team says the decision was made to avoid the quick turnaround and long international travel and to protect Donald’s ability to play across the whole season.
- Los Angeles will rely on newly acquired Myles Garrett and its existing interior rotation in Week 1, with Garrett confirmed available to make his Rams debut.
- Donald rejoined the Rams on Aug. 30 after two seasons away and has had a compressed ramp‑up, so the club plans a gradual, managed on‑field integration rather than rushing him back.
- The next realistic chance for Donald to play is Week 2 at SoFi Stadium, and reporters and team messaging say his snap count will be built slowly to test his conditioning and durability.