As the NFL world gears up for the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams have already made the biggest splash of the year. Aaron Donald, the future Hall of Fame defensive tackle, has officially ended his two-year retirement, sending shockwaves through the league. But the immediate question isn't just about his return—it's about whether he'll suit up for the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the answer might surprise you.
A Familiar Voice Weighs In
Former Rams running back Todd Gurley, who spent five seasons alongside Donald and remains close to head coach Sean McVay, recently shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview. Gurley, a former NFL Offensive Player of the Year, couldn't help but laugh at the whirlwind of speculation surrounding his former teammate. 'It's always something, right? First it's, Is he coming back? Then he comes back, and now we're like, Is he going to play?' Gurley told The Post during DraftKings Gameday. But Gurley, who knows Donald's competitive fire better than most, believes the 35-year-old will indeed take the field in Melbourne—albeit with a limited snap count. 'I think he will play. But I think it may be somewhat limited,' Gurley said. 'I think they'll slowly ramp him back up. But I hope he plays, man, mostly for the international crowd. You have a lot of people over there.'
The Comeback That Shook the NFL
Donald's announcement on Sunday sent the football world into a frenzy. After two years away, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is back with the Rams, a team that has Super Bowl aspirations and will host the Lombardi Trophy presentation in February. The timing, however, is tight. With just 11 days between his announcement and the season opener in Australia, many analysts question whether it's realistic for Donald to play. But Sean McVay has kept the door open, saying the team will take Donald's comeback 'one day at a time.' The Rams have always prioritized long-term health over short-term gains, and this situation is no different. They didn't bring Donald back for a Week 1 victory; they brought him back to anchor a defense that could carry them deep into January.
The Fire Is Back
Gurley, who remains close to the organization, believes Donald has rediscovered his motivation. 'I think he has re-sparked that fire back in him,' Gurley said, 'and he's going to go out there and dominate.' That's a bold claim for a player who hasn't taken an NFL snap in two years. But Gurley points to Donald's unprecedented track record as proof that he's not like anyone else. 'I haven't seen anyone do it and be able to dominate,' Gurley admitted. 'But if there is someone that can come back and do it and dominate, why wouldn't it be the three-time Defensive Player of the Year alongside a two-time Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett?'
A Defense Built for Glory
Donald's return instantly transforms the Rams' defense into a juggernaut. He joins a front seven that already features Myles Garrett, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young—a unit that was already formidable without him. The addition of Donald gives Los Angeles a pass-rushing quartet that opposing offensive lines will struggle to contain. But perhaps more importantly, Donald returns with a sense of freedom. As Gurley noted, 'There's really no pressure for him. He's accomplished everything that he's been able to do.' With no contract disputes, no legacy to chase, and nothing left to prove, Donald can simply play the game he loves. That, according to Gurley, could make him even more dangerous.
What's Next for the Rams?
The Rams will face the 49ers in a historic matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia. Whether Donald plays or not, the game will be a spectacle. But the real story is the Rams' Super Bowl window. With Donald back in the fold, Los Angeles has re-emerged as the team to beat in the NFC. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Donald's conditioning, his chemistry with his new teammates, and whether he can recapture the form that made him a legend. One thing is certain: Aaron Donald's return has already made the 2026 season one for the ages.
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