McVay Hopes Rams Avoid Future Australia Games

Rams coach Sean McVay said he hopes Los Angeles will not have to play another game in Australia after the team’s 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne. The Rams arrived roughly a day before the game, while San Francisco had been in Australia for a week, prompting scrutiny of Los Angeles’ travel strategy, though McVay said the schedule was not responsible for the defeat and accepted blame for the decision. The NFL still plans additional games in Victoria under a multiyear agreement, but the Rams are not expected to return next season. Los Angeles will also be without edge rusher Myles Garrett for at least four games after left-knee surgery, while McVay said Aaron Donald’s availability against the New York Giants will depend on how he responds to increased practice work.