Aaron Donald's return to the NFL will have to wait at least one more week.
Videos by FanBuzz
Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay confirmed that Donald will not travel with the team to Melbourne, Australia, for its Week 1 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
Donald stunned the NFL by coming out of retirement on Aug. 30, more than two years after initially walking away from the game. But the Rams have made it clear from the start that they aren't going to rush the three-time Defensive Player of the Year back onto the field.
"He's doing a great job," McVay said, via ESPN. "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."
Donald only returned to 11-on-11 work on Sept. 6 and was limited in Tuesday's practice.
The 35-year-old said this week that he's "feeling really good," although he acknowledged there is still some rust to knock off.
"It isn't where I want to be, but it's pretty damn good, if you ask me," Donald said.
The Rams did get better news on fellow defensive star Myles Garrett. McVay said Garrett will be "ready to go" against San Francisco despite dealing with swelling in his knee.
As for the 49ers?
Coach Kyle Shanahan wasn't exactly heartbroken to hear Donald will be staying home.
"I've never been more excited to be wrong about something," Shanahan said after previously predicting Donald would play.
The 49ers may have dodged Donald this time, but not for good. Los Angeles and San Francisco meet again in Week 14.
