San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan conveyed his significant relief regarding the absence of Los Angeles Rams defensive star Aaron Donald from their upcoming season opener. Shanahan expressed that he was "more excited to be wrong about something" after initially anticipating Donald's participation.
"We’re good," Shanahan stated to reporters, acknowledging that while the 49ers will eventually face Donald later in the season, this immediate reprieve is a welcome development. He admitted to preparing for the worst-case scenario, which included facing Donald, and is glad they will not have to contend with him this week.
Rams coach Sean McVay confirmed Tuesday that Donald would not be traveling with the team to Melbourne, Australia, for the game. The earliest Donald could return to the field is Week 2, when the Rams are scheduled to host the New York Giants on Sept. 21.
This marks a notable development for the 49ers offense, which will instead have to prepare for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Garrett set an NFL single-season sack record with 23 last year.
The 49ers and Rams are scheduled to play in Australia at 10:35 a.m. Friday local time. The game will air on the West Coast starting at 5:35 p.m. PT on Thursday. The two teams will meet again on December 13, when the Rams travel to San Francisco for their Week 14 matchup.