LOS ANGELES_Some optimism was well-founded, some apparently not.
For more than a month, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay expressed confidence that receiver Tavon Austin and defensive lineman Aaron Donald would be available to play in Sunday's opener against the Indianapolis Colts at the Coliseum.
Austin recovered from a hamstring injury and will play, McVay said Friday.
Donald, however, remains absent because of a contract dispute.
Throughout the week, McVay declined to rule out the three-time Pro Bowl player for the opener. He finally ended the gamesmanship on Friday.
"We're still trying to find a way to come to a solution," McVay said, "but it's safe to say that he won't be a part of this game."
Austin could play several roles for a team that conducted an offseason overhaul of the receiving corps.
It began during free agency with the departures of Kenny Britt and Brian Quick, and the signing of Robert Woods. It continued through the draft with the selection of Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. A training camp trade for deep threat Sammy Watkins provided an exclamation point.
Austin, who signed a four-year, $42-million extension before the 2016 season, was sidelined throughout offseason workouts while recovering from wrist surgery. He sat out nearly all of training camp because of a hamstring injury.
He returned to practice in a limited role before the final preseason game at Green Bay, and then participated in a full-speed pregame workout with other skill-position players at Lambeau Field.
He was a full participant in practice this week.
"We're excited to have him back," McVay said.
McVay would not specify how the 5-foot-8, 179-pound Austin will be deployed, but he could line up wide or in the slot as a receiver, or in the backfield as a running back or receiver. He also is expected to return punts.
"When the coaches call my number, I'll just be ready," said Austin, who has scored 12 touchdowns on passes, eight on runs and three on punt returns.
When McVay and his new staff arrived in January, the receiver group was "a little bit of a question mark," offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur said.
But that group is now regarded as multidimensional, and Austin's return adds to the mix.
"When you get the guy that, again, is explosive as Tavon, that has that home-run capability, it definitely gives you a lot of just some favorable matchups out there," LaFleur said.
