Rams' McVay gives big Nacua update ahead of Week 1 game

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rams HC Sean McVay gives big Puka Nacua update ahead of Week 1 game

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Sep 6, 2026 7:07 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams are still waiting to find out if superstar wide receiver Puka Nacua will be suspended by the NFL, while they also recently found out he is dealing with a psoas injury that he suffered during an August practice.

Those two developments have left his status for the season opener up in the air. But Rams head coach Sean McVay offered a significant update on his status on Sunday.

Rams HC expects Puka Nacua to play in Week 1 game

McVay said on Sunday that Nacua is expected to play the Rams' Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Melbourne, Australia, giving quarterback Matthew Stafford one of his most important offensive playmakers.

Along with the injury, Nacua has been facing the possibility of a suspension due to off-field issues, including a December incident that resulted in a lawsuit for allegedly making an antisemitic remark and biting a woman.

Rams WR Puka Nacua, who has been dealing with psoas soreness and also could be facing potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy for previous off-the-field behavior, is expected to play in Week 1 vs. the 49ers, per HC Sean McVay. pic.twitter.com/2tUXpKlrfW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2026

Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, Nacua's lawyer denied that any remarks were made and that the bite was "horseplay."

Nacua is one of the NFL's best wide receivers and is coming off a 129-catch, 1,715-yard season with 10 touchdowns. It resulted in him being named first-team All-Pro for the first time. If he is healthy and in the lineup, he helps make the Rams one of the most dangerous teams in football. It is a big reason they should be Super Bowl contenders this season. If he misses any time either due to injury or suspension, it will be a lot for them to overcome.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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