Returning Rams star Aaron Donald to miss MCG clash with 49ers

Aaron Donald's return to the NFL will have to wait a little longer. The Los Angeles Rams' defensive superstar will not play against the San Francisco 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday morning.

Donald ended two years of retirement last month and rejoined the Rams in August. But after weighing the demands of a 16-hour flight and his gradual return to football, coach Sean McVay decided to keep the 35-year-old at home.

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I think he'll be ready to go sooner rather than later. But we're making a decision that we think is best for him and for our team.

“I think he'll be ready to go sooner rather than later. But we're making a decision that we think is best for him and for our team,” McVay said. Donald has been working back toward game fitness and recently took a scheduled practice day off to focus on cardio.

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I'm feeling good, knocking the rust off. I thought I'd be a lot more rusty than I was, but taking it day by day.

Donald said he had been encouraged by his return so far. “I'm feeling good, knocking the rust off. I thought I'd be a lot more rusty than I was, but taking it day by day,” he said.

The Rams have spent recent seasons preparing their defense for life without Donald. They drafted Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, signed Poona Ford and traded for reigning defensive player of the year Myles Garrett. McVay said that depth made it easier not to rush Donald into the opener. “Any good defensive line I've been a part of, there's a rotation where you got to have five, six guys that play and play meaningful snaps,” he said.

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Any good defensive line I've been a part of, there's a rotation where you got to have five, six guys that play and play meaningful snaps.