- May 21, 2026
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If Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is ready to go following a two-year retirement, he'll play against the 49ers in Australia next week. 49ers General Manager John Lynch says that just makes the rivalry more intense.
Lynch has long subscribed to a philosophy he attributes to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden: "Don't lose sleep over what other teams are doing; let them lose sleep over what you're doing." Lynch was asked if he still feels that way when it comes to Donald returning to the Rams.
"The guy's different," Lynch said of Donald. "He's an exceptional player. One of the greats. I do subscribe to that. I think we're pretty good, too. They got better, certainly, with him deciding to come out of retirement."
Lynch said he believes Donald will arrive in top shape.
"There's time away, but I know that guy trains like a madman," Lynch said. "I ran into him in a hotel somewhere a while back and we had some fun chatter back and forth. Never thought he'd do it, but he's doing it, so we better get ready for it."
The Rams have not said whether Donald will be active for Week One, but the 49ers are preparing as if they're going to face the three-time defensive player of the year in his first game in two and a half years.
Lynch has long subscribed to a philosophy he attributes to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden: "Don't lose sleep over what other teams are doing; let them lose sleep over what you're doing." Lynch was asked if he still feels that way when it comes to Donald returning to the Rams.
"The guy's different," Lynch said of Donald. "He's an exceptional player. One of the greats. I do subscribe to that. I think we're pretty good, too. They got better, certainly, with him deciding to come out of retirement."
Lynch said he believes Donald will arrive in top shape.
"There's time away, but I know that guy trains like a madman," Lynch said. "I ran into him in a hotel somewhere a while back and we had some fun chatter back and forth. Never thought he'd do it, but he's doing it, so we better get ready for it."
The Rams have not said whether Donald will be active for Week One, but the 49ers are preparing as if they're going to face the three-time defensive player of the year in his first game in two and a half years.