Shanahan offered little concealment of his relief when the roster did not feature the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. “I’ve never been more excited to be wrong about something,” he said on Wednesday, referencing his initial expectations about Donald’s availability. “We’re going to have to see him eventually. I was preparing for the worst, and glad we don’t have to see him this week.”
The timing highlighted Donald’s standing in the NFC West, even after two seasons away from the game. The Rams announced on Aug. 30 that Donald was ending his retirement and returning to the field, a move that immediately added another top pass rusher to a front already anchored by Myles Garrett in the conference. Still, Donald would not be making his comeback in Week 1. Rams head coach Sean McVay announced that Donald would neither play nor travel to Australia for the opener against the 49ers.
Shanahan had spent days preparing as if Donald would begin his return against San Francisco. When asked if he expected Donald to play, Shanahan replied that he definitely did, recalling the strong reactions inside the organization when Donald first retired in March 2024. He noted that the team’s celebration at the time was among its most emphatic offseason moments, contrasting with the reception Donald’s return received.
Donald’s career prior to stepping away included prolific production: 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, and 256 quarterback hits over ten seasons, along with three AP Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight first-team All-Pro selections, and a crucial role in Los Angeles’ Super Bowl LVI victory. His return came on a one-year, $20 million deal that could reach $30 million with playoff incentives.
Facing Donald and Garrett together would be a major concern, but San Francisco would get at least one game without the veteran. Shanahan said he was hopeful Donald wouldn’t play, though he acknowledged the need to face him twice in the season. NBC Sports had reported the sentiment, with Shanahan stating, “I was preparing for the worst, and glad we don’t have to see him this week.”
The Rams have indicated a careful ramp-up for Donald after two full seasons away. McVay described holding him out as the best decision for both Donald and the team, adding that the veteran could be ready to go sooner rather than later. Donald had practiced on a limited basis after rejoining the roster and, in the days leading up to Week 1, repeatedly stated he was feeling good while avoiding a definitive commitment to playing.
Los Angeles also has depth to rely on, including players such as Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford, among others. Garrett was expected to be available for the Week 1 matchup after dealing with a knee issue, further shaping the Rams’ approach to Donald’s return.
Donald stated when he came back that his goal was not merely to fill a roster slot. “Do I feel like I can play at a high level? Yes. Do I feel like I can still be myself? 100%. If I didn’t feel like that, I wouldn’t be here.” The Week 1 result would not immediately answer how quickly he could contribute, but Shanahan’s early comments underscored the ongoing challenge Donald represents even before stepping onto the field for a regular-season snap in his comeback.
In sum, Donald’s absence from Week 1 gave the 49ers a temporary reprieve, while the Rams’ long-term plans for integrating a returning star remain a key storyline for the season ahead. The situation also serves as a reminder of the level of impact Donald continues to command, both inside the division and across the league.
