Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to play in the team's Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, head coach Sean McVay announced. Nacua has been managing psoas soreness while also facing potential discipline under the NFL's personal conduct policy for off-field behavior. The wide receiver suffered the injury during an August joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Rams took a cautious approach with his workload throughout the remainder of training camp. "Yeah, absolutely," McVay told reporters when asked about Nacua's status to face the Niners in Australia. "That's what I've heard.
I haven't heard anything different." McVay noted last week that Nacua made progress with vice president of sports medicine and performance Reggie Scott. "Been hitting some high-speed yards at a really good clip with Reggie and his group," McVay said. "And when we get back out there, it'll be fun to have him." In addition to his injury recovery, Nacua remains under review by the league office regarding previous off-field behavior.
However, with no league discipline issued ahead of kickoff, he is cleared to take the field. Nacua is entering a pivotal season as he approaches free agency next spring. He is coming off an All-Pro campaign in 2025 in which he led the league with 129 receptions and racked up 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
His presence in the lineup gives the Rams offense an extra option in an already potent offense looking to contend for a championship.
