New Aaron Donald Rumors on Status for Rams vs. 49ers After Returning from Retirement

Aaron Donald might miss the Los Angeles Rams' Week 1 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers after coming out of retirement, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.

"I would say based on everything I've been told, a Week 2 or 3 debut looks more likely than Week 1," Graziano reported during a Tuesday appearance on NFL Live (0:34 mark).

Graziano noted that a Week 1 appearance is "still on the table" for the star defensive tackle, though.

On Sunday, Donald signed a one-year contract to return to the Rams after initially retiring from the NFL after the 2023 season.

While the 35-year-old missed training camp before officially joining the team, he was spotted working out at Los Angeles' facilities in July. Rams general manager Les Snead also revealed that Donald "put himself through a grueling summer."

Still, Los Angeles could choose patient approach when getting the three-time Defensive Player of the Year ready for his 2026 campaign. It's also worth noting that the Rams will travel to Melbourne, Australia for their season-opener.

Donald completed individual drills in his first practice with the team since returning before having a scheduled off day on Monday.

Rams head coach Sean McVay later confirmed that Donald has a chance to miss Week 1.

"Oh, yeah, absolutely," McVay said, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "That could be a possibility. I wouldn't rule anything out yet.

"But what I think is really good for us is if he's able to go, great. If not, that's kind of how we've been operating as is. And guys have done an excellent job of being able to do some really cool stuff in the meantime. And so, if he's not ready and that's not what's best for him and for the team, absolutely wouldn't have him playing Australia unnecessarily."

The Rams enter their 2026 season with high expectations, as Donald was the latest addition to a squad that already added two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns.

Los Angeles also bolstered its secondary by trading for star cornerback Trent McDuffie in a swap with the Kansas City Chiefs.

With reigning MVP Matthew Stafford leading the way offensively, Los Angeles has its sights set on hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

If Donald isn't ready to suit up against the 49ers in Week 1, he could debut against the New York Giants in Week 2 or the Denver Broncos in Week 3.