The 49ers got a break before Week 1 even kicked off: Aaron Donald won’t be on the field when San Francisco opens against the Rams.
Sean McVay said Tuesday that Donald will not make the trip to Australia for the matchup, backing away from earlier information that had suggested the star defender might be available. Instead, Donald and the Rams are taking a day-by-day approach as he ramps up after officially unretiring on August 30.
That’s a welcome development for San Francisco, even if the Rams’ pass rush still looks dangerous. The 49ers will still have to deal with Myles Garrett, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner, but dodging Donald is a major relief. When these teams meet again in Week 14, the Niners won’t be able to count on that same advantage.
McVay’s update wasn’t shocking, but it still carries some weight. Donald has been practicing with teammates for less than two weeks, and that’s a far cry from full game readiness.
Eleven-on-11 work is one thing; individual drills are another. After more than two and a half years since his last NFL snap, giving him extra time makes sense.
A return by Week 3 feels like the most likely outcome. The NFL roster exemption that applies to Donald expires in Week 2, but the Rams haven’t even used the extra spot, so that detail doesn’t appear to be a real obstacle.
The bigger issue may be financial. Donald’s contract includes a $667,000 bonus for each game he plays, up to 15 games, with minimum snap requirements attached. He can miss only two games before part of that incentive pay starts to disappear.
Still, money aside, Donald is going to want back on the field as soon as possible. McVay said he expects Donald will " be ready to go sooner rather than later." For now, the Rams believe holding him out in Week 1 "is best for him and for our team."
The matchup up front remains a tough one for San Francisco even without Donald. Based on the depth charts, Trent Williams is set to line up against Byron Young, while Myles Garrett will face seventh-year veteran Colton McKivitz, who ranked seventh among all tackles in PFF grade last season.
And if there’s one 49er who may be especially relieved by Donald’s absence, it’s rookie left guard Carvis Willis. Even at 35, Donald is the kind of player who can ruin a first-year offensive lineman’s day in a hurry.
The Rams may be without Donald, but they appear likely to have both receiver Puka Nacua and left tackle Alaric Jackson. Their status had been in doubt because of possible suspensions, though barring a late change, any discipline now seems likely to be delayed.
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