49ers brace for Aaron Donald's potential return in upcoming Australia matchup
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said the team is preparing for a possible encounter with Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who may come out of retirement for the game in Australia.
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a possible showdown with the Los Angeles Rams in Australia next week, should defensive tackle Aaron Donald return after a two-year retirement. General manager John Lynch said the prospect adds intensity to the rivalry.
"The guy’s different. 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. Lynch added that he expects Donald to be in top condition, noting the former defensive player’s reputation for rigorous training. "There’s time away, but I know that guy trains like a madman," he said, recalling a recent encounter with Donald in a hotel. The Rams have not confirmed Donald’s availability for the opening week, but the 49ers are preparing as if they will face the three-time defensive player of the year in his first game in more than two years.