The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was sidelined by a groin issue last month, which raised questions about his availability for the team’s highly anticipated season opener.
The Rams recently got an encouraging update regarding his health. However, Nacua is currently dealing with an off-field situation that continues to loom over him as the 2026 season approaches.
Could Puka Nacua Miss the Rams’ Season Opener?
Nacua made an early exit from the Rams’ joint practice with the Cowboys on Aug. 11. He was eventually diagnosed with psoas soreness, which kept the star wide receiver away from the field for several weeks.
Nacua returned to practice on Sunday and has remained healthy since his comeback. The Rams were never believed to be overly concerned about the injury.
The team expects Nacua to be ready and available for the Rams’ regular-season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, Sept. 10.
However, Nacua’s injury is not the only situation surrounding him heading into the new season. The 25-year-old is currently involved in a civil lawsuit after a woman alleged that the Rams receiver bit her, leading her to file a lawsuit against him.
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Because of the nature of the allegations, Nacua could potentially face discipline from the NFL for an alleged violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided an update on Aug. 30, making it clear that Nacua’s situation remains unresolved as the regular season approaches.
“No other players will be placed on the commissioner exempt list today,” Schefter wrote on X. “Other matters still remain under the league’s review: Puka Nacua and Alaric Jackson in Los Angeles, Rashod Bateman in Baltimore.”
No other players will be placed on the commissioner exempt list today. Other matters still remain under the league’s review: Puka Nacua and Alaric Jackson in Los Angeles, Rashod Bateman in Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/mmdZU7riKk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2026
The Rams should receive clarity soon regarding whether Nacua will face suspensions, especially with the team needing to finalize its preparations and travel plans for Australia ahead of its opening game of the 2026 NFL season.
Nacua remains the centerpiece of the Rams’ receiving corps alongside veteran wideout Davante Adams. His standing around the league was further highlighted when his peers voted him No. 7 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list.
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That impressive ranking followed a spectacular 2025 season in which Nacua earned unanimous AP First-Team All-Pro honors. He finished the season with 1,715 total yards and 11 touchdowns, while his exceptional production also helped him secure the No. 1 spot in PFN’s Wide Receiver Impact Ranking.
With the additions of Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, the Rams appear to have assembled one of the most intimidating rosters in the NFL heading into the 2026 season, even before taking the field for a meaningful game.
As a result, Rams fans will obviously be hoping Nacua remains healthy and receives a favorable resolution from the league so he can take the field when Los Angeles begins its season in Australia.
