Rams' McVay: 'It's safe to say' holdout Donald won't play Week 1

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay acknowledged Friday that Aaron Donald's holdout will almost certainly extend past the first week of the regular season.

"It's safe to say he won't be part of this game," McVay said of the star defensive tackle ahead of Sunday's season opener versus the Indianapolis Colts, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.

Donald was absent from the team throughout training camp and the preseason while demanding a new deal that would, presumably, make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league.

The 26-year-old is in the fourth year of his rookie contract. The team has already exercised its fifth-year option on the three-time Pro Bowler, keeping him under control through next season.

Donald has registered 115 tackles and 28 sacks over his first three NFL campaigns, playing in all 16 contests each year. He had 35 tackles and eight sacks a season ago.