Aaron Donald has officially come out of retirement for the 2026 season, returning to the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year deal. But as the team prepares to open its regular season against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, the question of whether the 10-time Pro Bowler will actually play remains unanswered.

Head coach Sean McVay has confirmed that all available players are expected to travel to Australia for the game, including Donald, who signed a one-year, $20 million deal to return. The contract could rise to $30 million with playoff incentives, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Yet McVay has repeatedly declined to commit to Donald's availability for the opener, saying he did not "have that sense quite yet" on the matter.

"Oh, yeah, absolutely. That could be a possibility. I wouldn't rule anything out yet," McVay said when asked directly whether Donald might not play in Week 1.

Donald, who has not played in a competitive game since the 2023 season and did not participate in the Rams' offseason program, training camp, or preseason, has been practicing with the team this week. McVay described the 35-year-old's ramp-up process as "really good," noting that Donald is "so intentional about his rhythm and routine" that the coaching staff is treating his preparation as a collaboration.

"This week will be a big week for him in terms of how he feels," McVay told reporters on September 4. "We'll take it a day at a time and see where he's at. If he feels good enough to go, great. If not, I have a lot of confidence in the other guys that'll be ready to step up if that's the case, who have really gotten all the reps anyways."

McVay also stressed that the decision will be guided by what is best for the player and the team. "Everything is geared towards what we think is best for the players," he said. "The thinking in its simplest form is what do we deem the best for our football players and for them to try to be at their best? And then, ultimately, it's, 'Let's go play to the best of our ability in that three and a half hour window we're allotted.'"

Limited Role Anticipated if Donald Plays

NFL analysts Mike Florio and Chris Simms have weighed in on Donald's situation, both suggesting that even if he does play in Australia, his role would be limited.

Florio said the Rams are "trying to get him ready to go out there and be able to take however many snaps they have in mind for him if he plays in Australia in just 8 days from now," adding that Donald's participation could be intermittent: "He's going to be on, he's going to be off, he's going to be working, he's not going to be working."

Simms was more specific, saying, "If he plays, it's only third downs. I'm not sure if he'll play at all in this first one." He noted that Donald has not participated in 11-on-11 drills, adding, "So, if Aaron Donald is out there in Australia, yes, I think it's going to be extremely limited third-down packages only."

Simms also acknowledged the possibility that Donald might not play at all, saying, "I think there's a possibility that he doesn't play at all and just gets himself in football shape here."

Roster Flexibility and Preparation

The NFL placed Donald on the Commissioner's Exempt List after his decision to return, a move that gives the Rams flexibility in how they handle his activation. Donald can remain on the list until he plays a game or until September 11, one day after the Rams face the 49ers. If he misses the Australia game, he could make his debut the following week on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants.

Donald himself has emphasized a patient approach. "I'm here to just go day-by-day," he said in his introductory press conference. "So day-by-day, just work, grind, get myself to where I need to be at the level that I want to play at, and that's all I can do. Ain't rushing. Like I said, just continue to stack them days and see where we're at."

McVay indicated that the team will not force Donald into action before he is ready. "If he's not ready and that is not what is best for him and for the team, absolutely wouldn't have him play in Australia unnecessarily," he said.

The Rams are scheduled to leave for Australia on Wednesday, while the 49ers are already in Melbourne acclimating. The 49ers' early arrival underscores the significance of the overseas trip, but for the Rams, the focus remains on integrating a future Hall of Famer whose last competitive snap came more than two years ago.

Donald has stated he feels like his old self and has not lost a step, and analysts have noted that if he makes the 14-hour flight, there is a strong chance he plays. Rams On SI's Blaine Grisak posted on X that Donald would not travel for a "mini-vacation," suggesting his presence would signal an intention to play. Still, with the game just days away, the Rams are keeping their options open, and the final decision may come down to how Donald feels when the team touches down in Australia.