Full Breakdown
Rams Anticipate Wide Receiver Puka Nacua and Tackle Alaric Jackson for Season Opener in Australia
9/7/2026, 5:53:05 AM
Core Event
The Los Angeles Rams expect wide receiver Puka Nacua and left tackle Alaric Jackson to be eligible for the Week 1 regular-season game against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. Both players remain under NFL personal-conduct review because of off-field legal matters, and Nacua is also recovering from a psoas injury sustained during training camp. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team’s optimism during the final practice before the Thursday night kickoff.
Background & Context
- Legal matters – In March, a Los Angeles woman filed a civil lawsuit alleging Nacua made an antisemitic remark and bit her on the shoulder. Nacua entered a holistic-care facility for personal growth and left in time to complete the Rams’ offseason program.
- Alaric Jackson was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic-violence on June 9. His case was assigned on June 13 to a pre-filing diversion program, an alternative to misdemeanor prosecution, and he has not been charged with a felony.
- The NFL has placed other players with offseason legal issues (e.g., Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs, Denver’s Jonathon Cooper) on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, but as of the latest reports the Rams have not received a comparable designation for Nacua or Jackson.
Data & Statistics
- Nacua finished the 2025 season leading the league with 129 receptions, accumulating 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns; he earned first-team All-Pro honors and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice.
- The psoas injury affects the lower torso, linking the lumbar spine to the thigh bone, and is uncommon among NFL players.
Official Statements & Responses
He emphasized a “day-by-day” approach to roster decisions and indicated that, based on the information he has, he expects Nacua and Jackson to be cleared to play. The NFL has not issued a formal suspension for either player, and the league’s personal-conduct review remains ongoing.
Timeline
- June 9 – Jackson arrested on suspicion of felony domestic-violence.
- June 13 – Jackson’s case assigned to a pre-filing diversion program.
- September 4, 2026 – McVay said Nacua is “making good progress” and highlighted his high-speed yardage in practice.
- September 6, 2026 – ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler noted that Nacua was held out for several weeks, “taken it easy,” and showed no setbacks this week.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official NFL suspension has been announced for Nacua or Jackson, yet the league’s personal-conduct review has not been concluded. Sources differ on whether the players will ultimately be cleared, reflecting the lack of a definitive league ruling at the time of reporting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're truly taking it a day at a time,” — Sean McVay, head coach
- “Yeah, absolutely, that’s what I’ve heard. I haven’t heard anything different,” — Sean McVay, head coach
- “They’re banged up, they’re bringing everybody to Australia. They’re hoping that everybody can play. Puka Nacua has a psoas injury. You don’t hear that very often. They held him out for a few weeks, taken it easy with him,” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN insider
- “Been hitting some high speed yards at a really good clip with Reggie [Scott] and his group,” — Sean McVay, head coach
