Rams confirm full squad travel for season opener against 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams are set to travel with their full roster for their upcoming season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the decision on Friday, marking a significant update regarding the team's travel logistics for the international fixture.

The announcement provides clarity on the status of star player Aaron Donald, who recently rejoined the team after announcing his retirement in March 2024. Earlier in the week, McVay had suggested there was a possibility that Donald might not make the trip, but the coach has now confirmed that the plan is for the entire squad to be present in Australia.

McVay praised Donald’s commitment to his personal routine and noted that the upcoming week of training will be critical in determining his readiness. The coach emphasized the importance of 11-on-11 drills and pad work for assessing Donald’s progress, adding that the team will evaluate his condition on a day-to-day basis. McVay expressed confidence in the rest of the roster should Donald be unable to play.

In addition to the updates on Donald, McVay provided a positive outlook on wide receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua has been sidelined with a psoas injury sustained during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on August 11. According to the head coach, the receiver is making steady progress in his rehabilitation and has been hitting high-speed targets during his recovery sessions with the medical staff. Nacua returned to practice on Sunday, and the team remains optimistic about his availability as they prepare for the season opener.