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Kyle Shanahan Expects Aaron Donald to Play Week 1

9/8/2026

6 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Aaron Donald Returns

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is expected to play in the Week 1 season opener in Melbourne, Australia.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he definitely expects Donald to play Thursday night.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team is taking Donald’s return day-by-day.
In 18 career games against San Francisco, Donald has recorded 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Summary

Garrett Returns

Myles Garrett entered camp with a lingering knee issue, but coaches trust his recovery.
Garrett topped the NFL Top 100 list after a record-breaking 23-sack season.
Rams secondary now includes cornerbacks Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and safety Quentin Lake.
Backup safety Kamren Kinchens is touted by teammates as a potential 10-interception player.
Inside linebackers Nate Landman and Omar Speights helped lift the run defense from 26th to 11th.

History

Historical Context

An $36 million NBC television contract in 1964 gave the AFL the revenue needed to pressure the NFL, leading to the 1970 AFL–NFL merger that created a 26-team league. That financial base now lets the Los Angeles Rams, led by Aaron Donald and coach Sean McVay, travel with Myles Garrett’s Cleveland Browns for Week 1 in Melbourne, showcasing the NFL’s expanding global footprint.

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Aaron Donald Returns

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is expected to play in the Week 1 season opener in Melbourne, Australia.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he definitely expects Donald to play Thursday night.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team is taking Donald’s return day-by-day.
In 18 career games against San Francisco, Donald has recorded 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

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