Rams coach Sean McVay breaks silence on Puka Nacua’s week 1 status

Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to be on the field when the regular season begins, despite an ongoing legal situation that remains under NFL review.

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Sunday that he has been given no indication Nacua will be unavailable for Thursday’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.

When asked whether he expects Nacua to play, McVay made his position clear.

“Yeah, absolutely,” McVay said. “That’s what I’ve heard. I haven’t heard anything different.”

The comments provide some clarity surrounding Nacua’s immediate status as Los Angeles prepares for one of its biggest divisional matchups of the season.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously reported on Aug. 30 that Nacua would not be placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list at that time. However, the matter remains under review by the league.

NFL reviewing Nacua situation 

Nacua’s situation stems from a lawsuit filed by a woman in Los Angeles in March.

The lawsuit alleges Nacua directed an “unprovoked antisemitic statement” toward the woman and later bit her on the shoulder. The allegations remain part of an ongoing legal matter, and the NFL has not announced discipline against Nacua.

McVay previously acknowledged during training camp that the organization was aware of the situation and had remained in communication with the appropriate parties while gathering information.

For the Rams, Nacua’s expected availability is significant from a football standpoint.

He has developed into one of the league’s premier offensive weapons and gives Los Angeles a dynamic playmaker capable of affecting a game from anywhere on the field.

Now the immediate focus shifts toward Thursday.

The NFL could still make a determination regarding Nacua as its review continues, but as of Sunday, Los Angeles is preparing as though its star receiver will be available.

Unless something changes before kickoff, Nacua should be in uniform when the Rams begin their 2026 campaign against their NFC West rival.

For McVay and Los Angeles, that means one of the offense’s biggest weapons remains part of the Week 1 plan.

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