Kyle Shanahan’s reaction to huge Aaron Donald Week 1 update is pure gold

The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams will make history on Friday when they battle in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

One of the biggest storylines is the much-anticipated return of Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement to try to win his second championship.

Fans, however, will have to wait a little more to see Donald back in action, as he will be unavailable against the 49ers.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan predicted that the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will “definitely” suit up in Week 1. But after the Rams announced Donald’s status on Tuesday, Shanahan did not hide his relief.

“I’ve never been more excited to be wrong about something,” said Shanahan, as quoted by ESPN’s Sarah Barshop.

With the 35-year-old Donald sitting out, the 49ers will have one less enforcer to worry about.

He was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday, along with Rams linebacker Grant Stuard, who is hobbled by a hamstring injury.

On Monday, Shanahan said he was sure that Donald would play despite the Rams’ lack of a definitive update. He also heaped praise on the eight-time All-Pro.

“I decided a month ago it was happening. So I prepared for that the right way. It is what it is. He’s a hell of a player, and we’ll have our work cut out for us,” said Shanahan.

Meanwhile, he revealed on Tuesday that defensive tackle Alfred Collins will be sidelined for the upcoming season after suffering a knee injury, further handicapping the 49ers’ defensive unit.

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