Rams head coach Sean McVay expects star wide receiver Puka Nacua and left tackle Alaric Jackson to be on the field this Thursday in Melbourne. That’s right, the coach said Sunday he doesn’t believe either player will be suspended for their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, even with both guys facing some seriously heavy off-field issues in recent months. McVay was crystal clear when asked if both would be available, simply saying, “Absolutely. That’s what I’ve heard. I haven’t heard anything different.” Man, talk about a high-stakes start to the season for LA.
Nacua’s Offseason Rollercoaster
Let’s break down what Nacua has been dealing with, because it’s wild. A woman filed a lawsuit against him earlier this offseason, accusing him of making antisemitic statements and biting her shoulder. She cited gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence in that lawsuit. Nacua has denied all of it. And remember last season? He was involved in a few incidents, including appearing on a live stream before a game and agreeing to perform an antisemitic touchdown celebration. It’s a lot to process. To his credit, Nacua entered a holistic care facility this past offseason to focus on his personal growth, and he’s been practicing and preparing normally for the 2026 campaign. You can’t forget what he did on the field last year, though. The dude put up a career-high 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, hauling in a league-high 129 catches. He was a force for a Rams team that went 12-5 and reached the NFC title game. Now, all eyes are on how this legal stuff impacts him, if at all, for game one.
Jackson’s Legal Troubles and Big Contract
Then there’s Alaric Jackson, the left tackle. He was arrested on a domestic violence charge back in June. Luckily for him, he was not charged with a felony. His case got assigned for a pre-filing diversion program, which is an alternative to misdemeanor criminal prosecution. This guy is entering his sixth season in the league, and the Rams clearly believe in him, having signed the former Iowa standout to a three-year, $57 million extension in February 2025. It’s a huge commitment, so having him on the field is a big deal for their offensive line from day one.
The NFL’s Review: A Waiting Game
Here’s the kicker: both Jackson’s case and Nacua’s case are still under review by the NFL. That means the league could still hand down punishment and suspend either or both players before Thursday’s game in Australia. So while McVay sounds confident, the league could still drop the hammer at any moment. The Rams kick off their season opener against the 49ers in Melbourne on Thursday. It’s not just about the game itself, it’s about whether these two key players will actually suit up when the whistle blows. It’s going to be a tense few days waiting for any word from the league offices, and a massive story to watch unfold when that ball kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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