49ers gain advantage as Rams' Aaron Donald skips Australian season opener
San Francisco's 49ers will face Los Angeles without Aaron Donald in the Melbourne opener, while their own stars Nick Bosa and George Kittle appear cleared to play.
Ahead of the NFL’s international season opener in Melbourne, the 49ers secured a favorable matchup by not having to face Aaron Donald, who remains in the United States per coach Sean McVay. Kyle Shanahan highlighted that his team arrived a day earlier than the Rams and has already seen Nick Bosa and George Kittle complete two full-speed practices after recovering from knee and Achilles surgeries. Coordinators Klay Kubiak and Raheem Morris said the duo looks healthy enough to contribute, easing concerns about the left-guard position against Myles Garrett.
The Rams appear to be preserving Donald for the longer term, while the 49ers bolstered their defensive line with Khalid Kareem from the Falcons after Sam Okuayinonu’s foot injury. Rookie James Thompson Jr. sat out the latest session, but overall the 49ers have near-full participation heading into Thursday night’s game.
Why it matters
Injuries and player availability will shape the 49ers' chances in the season-opening game abroad.
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