Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald return to practice ahead of season opener

As the Los Angeles Rams continue to prepare for their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, the biggest question is whether their two biggest defensive stars will play on Thursday in Australia.

Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett has been absent from practice for some time, missing the team’s two joint practices, along with a large portion of training camp. NFL legend Aaron Donald is making his comeback after two years, with his status questionable as he ramps up his training.

On Sunday, The Athletic’s Nate Atkins reports that both players will practice, breathing hope into the belief that both will play.

Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett will practice today for the Rams.

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Sean McVay said he’ll update their game status for Week 1 on Tuesday.

— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) September 6, 2026

The Rams have stated that Garrett’s absence is to maintain his health so he can play in the opener, while Donald could be on the verge of playing his first professional game since the 2023-2024 playoffs.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald return to practice ahead of season opener