49ers coach Kyle Shanahan thrilled to avoid Aaron Donald in season opener

Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, told reporters he is delighted that Aaron Donald will not be on the field for the Rams' season-opening game in Melbourne, Australia. Shanahan admitted he had been preparing for Donald's presence and welcomed the unexpected break. Rams head coach Sean McVay announced after the team's final practice that Donald will stay inactive for the 16-hour flight to Australia and will not play until at least Week 2, when the Rams host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

The 49ers' offense will still have to deal with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in the first contest. The game is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, with a live West Coast broadcast at 5:35 p.m. PT. The two clubs will meet again in Week 14 when the Rams travel to San Francisco on Dec. 13.