Lynch: Aaron Donald Elevates Rams, But 49ers Remain Poised

Should Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald be ready to go following a two-year retirement, he will play against the 49ers in Australia next week. 49ers General Manager John Lynch asserts that this potential matchup only heightens the intensity of their rivalry.

Lynch has long adhered 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.” When asked if this sentiment still applies to Donald’s potential return to the Rams, Lynch remained steadfast.

“The guy’s different,” Lynch remarked of Donald. “He is an exceptional player, undeniably one of the greats. I subscribe to that sentiment. However, I believe we are quite good ourselves. They certainly got better with his decision to come out of retirement.”

Lynch expressed confidence that Donald will be in peak physical condition.

“There has been a significant amount of time away from the game, but I know that guy trains like a madman,” Lynch said. “I encountered him at a hotel some time ago and we had an enjoyable conversation. I never thought he would do it, but here he is, so we had better prepare ourselves.”

While the Rams have not confirmed whether Donald will be active for Week One, the 49ers are preparing as though they will face the three-time Defensive Player of the Year in his first game in two and a half years.

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