Understandably, the San Francisco 49ers would've preferred if future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald stayed retired instead of coming out of retirement and joining his old squad, the Los Angeles Rams.
But Donald is coming back, and he's traveling with L.A. to take on the Niners in the first-ever NFL game in Melbourne, Australia, in Week 1.
That's a massive problem for San Francisco, especially in light of it's already-questionable offensive line and when combined with Los Angeles' blockbuster trade from earlier last offseason—landing the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.
However, there's a small bit of hope for the 49ers, who may not have to worry about Donald's presence just yet.
Sean McVay says Aaron Donald may not play vs. 49ers despite accompanying Rams
The Niners opted to head out to Australia a week in advance, whereas the Rams elected to travel just before the game itself on Sept. 10. That arguably gives L.A. more time to make a Donald decision, but head coach Sean McVay recently said to reporters the perennial All-Pro would travel with the squad regardless.
Via Benjamin Royer of the Orange County Register, it's not yet clear whether or not Donald ends up playing in Week 1 after just coming out of retirement a few days ago, at least officially:
Sean McVay said he expects all Rams players to travel to Melbourne for Week 1 vs. 49ers.
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) September 4, 2026
Still TBD on Aaron Donald playing in the opener — McVay said he “doesn’t have that sense quite yet.”
Related story: Rams' decision to host 49ers in Australia may backfire in worst way possible
Even without Donald, Los Angeles boasts one of the more potent defensive lines in the league, especially after the Garrett addition. Edge rusher Byron Young could've been in the discussion last season for Defensive Player of the Year, too,
That one-two punch will be problematic enough, but tacking on Donald would make things exponentially more challenging for San Francisco.
Considering how hotly contested the NFC West figures to be this season, any advantage the 49ers can get over their SoCal rivals will be appreciated. That would include not having to face Donald in the regular-season opener, and they'd happily accept him watching from the sidelines and waiting until at least Week 2 to get back on the field.
Unfortunately, the Niners have to prepare and game plan as if Donald will play, and McVay unquestionably knows this.
And he won't mind toying with San Francisco, which probably makes a tough prospect that much tougher.
Hat tip to David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone for the find.
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