Donald Traveling to Australia for Rams Week 1

Aaron Donald is traveling to Melbourne with the entire Rams roster for the Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers, coach Sean McVay said Friday, though Donald's playing status is still TBD after he ended his retirement last weekend, per the Associated Press. That clears the biggest travel question around the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia.

Donald is on the plane. Whether he is in the game remains a day-to-day call.

McVay's TBD on playing

"I don't have that sense quite yet," McVay said of Donald suiting up at the Melbourne Cricket Ground alongside Myles Garrett, per AP. "I think (the ramp-up process) has been really good. He's so intentional about his rhythm and routine. ... This week will be a big week for him in terms of how he feels, and then 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, that have really gotten all the reps anyway."

The 35-year-old only rejoined the Rams after 2 1/2 years away. NBC Sports and Rams Wire confirmed the same travel plan and noted the club still has a two-game roster exemption window around his return. Rams Wire added the Rams leave Wednesday and arrive the day before Thursday night kickoff in the U.S. (Friday morning in Melbourne).

Late flight, early kickoff

Los Angeles is finishing its full prep week in Woodland Hills before flying less than 48 hours before kickoff. San Francisco took the opposite approach, flying earlier and practicing on site all week. McVay said the Rams trust their London and Mexico City travel template even on this longer haul. Garrett is expected to play despite missing more than a dozen camp workouts, and Puka Nacua is also expected after progress from a core muscle injury, per AP.

The Rams were initially unsure whether Donald would even make the long trip. Friday flipped that. Travel is settled. Playing time is not. McVay still frames Melbourne as a feel call for a star who just returned after 2 1/2 years away, and the rest of the defensive line has already taken the heavy reps in case the answer is sit.

For other Rams Week 1 threads already on Smacktok, see Donald ending retirement and George Kittle traveling for Australia. The new stamp is simple: the whole roster is going, and Donald's first snap since 2023 is still a feel call.