Sean McVay Expects All Rams Players, Including Aaron Donald, to Travel to Australia for Week 1

<p>The Los Angeles Rams will not arrive in Australia with the San Francisco 49ers this week, opting to leave on Wednesday and arrive the day before the kickoff of their game.</p><p>Head coach Sean McVay stated on Friday that he expects every player to make the trip to Australia, including Aaron Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year who recently came out of retirement to join the Rams for the 2026 season.</p><p>Donald’s status for Week 1 had been uncertain since he returned from retirement. He did not participate in the same training camp as the rest of the team, although he remains in good physical condition. McVay noted that he is still unsure about Donald's participation against the 49ers in Week 1.</p><p>Donald being on the flight indicates he has a chance to play for Los Angeles. McVay's uncertainty regarding Donald's status may be a strategic move to keep the 49ers guessing.</p><p>McVay mentioned that the team is taking a cautious approach with Donald, who is an eight-time All-Pro defensive tackle. He advised Rams fans to maintain a cautious optimism regarding Donald’s availability for the game.</p><p>Fans are eager for Donald's return, as he has had a notable career in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl honors and posing challenges for offensive lines and quarterbacks.</p><p>In addition to Donald, Rams fans are also watching to see if top wide receiver Puka Nacua will play against the 49ers. McVay provided an update on Nacua, stating he is making good progress from a psoas injury.</p><p>Nacua has been working with the Rams' sports medicine team and is expected to be ready for the game. The NFL is reviewing Nacua under its personal conduct policy due to an off-the-field lawsuit, but he has not been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, allowing him to avoid suspension at the start of the season.</p><p>A woman filed a lawsuit against Nacua in March, alleging he made an antisemitic remark and bit her shoulder and a friend’s thumb. Nacua’s lawyer has denied the allegations.</p><p>While Nacua's participation in Week 1 is still uncertain due to potential league discipline, McVay's expectation that all players will travel is a positive sign for Nacua.</p><p>The 49ers are also seeing players travel, with tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa, both recovering from injuries, making the trip to Melbourne.</p>