The Los Angeles Rams could unleash one of the NFL’s most intimidating defensive combinations when they open the 2026 regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
Future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett returned to practice Sunday as the Rams prepare for their highly anticipated season opener in Melbourne, Australia.
Donald is making his return to the NFL after spending two seasons in retirement. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year announced his comeback to the Rams on August 30 and has already been named a starter for Thursday’s game.
Garrett, meanwhile, joined the Rams this offseason after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year has dealt with a knee issue and had been working on the side rather than participating fully in practice.
Now, both defensive stars are back on the practice field.
According to the Yahoo Sports report from Rams Wire, Rams head coach Sean McVay is expected to provide an update on their Week 1 status Tuesday. Their return to practice has increased optimism that fans could see Donald and Garrett take the field together for the first time in a regular-season game.
The potential pairing has generated plenty of excitement because of what it could mean for Los Angeles’ defense. Donald brings 111 career sacks and eight first-team All-Pro selections, while Garrett enters the season as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
For San Francisco, the possibility of facing both players in the opener adds another challenge. Donald has historically been a major problem for the 49ers, recording 12.5 sacks in 18 regular-season games against them.
The Rams and 49ers will make history Thursday as they meet at Melbourne Cricket Ground for the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia.
If Donald and Garrett are both cleared to play, the matchup could mark the beginning of a new era for a Rams defense loaded with star power.
Aaron Donald is back. Myles Garrett is ready. And NFL fans could be getting their first look at the dynamic duo together on Thursday night.
