Los Angeles – In a confident statement on Thursday, Rams head coach Sean McVay announced that both wide receiver Puka Nacua and left tackle Alaric Jackson are expected to be on the field for the team’s season‑opening matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
Players under investigation
Nacua, 25, faces a civil lawsuit filed in March by a woman who alleges he made an unprovoked antisemitic remark and bit her on the shoulder. The case remains under investigation by the NFL, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter has indicated there is a possibility Nacua will avoid league discipline this season.
Jackson, 28, was arrested in June following an alleged domestic‑violence incident. He received a pre‑filing diversion for a misdemeanor charge, allowing him to avoid prosecution while remaining eligible to play.
Rams’ on‑field contributions
Both players have been key contributors to the Rams’ recent success. Nacua entered the league as a fifth‑round pick in the 2023 draft and has amassed 319 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns over his first three seasons. He led the NFL in receptions last season with 129 catches and ranked second in receiving yards with 1,715.
Jackson, an undrafted free agent signed in 2021, has started 51 of the 57 games he has played for Los Angeles, solidifying the left side of the offensive line.
Coach McVay’s outlook
McVay emphasized that the team’s focus remains on preparation and execution for the international opener. “We’ve got a great group of guys ready to compete,” he said. “Puka and Alaric have been working hard, and we expect them to be ready to contribute when the whistle blows.”
The Rams will travel to Melbourne for the Thursday night game, marking the NFL’s continued effort to expand its global footprint. The matchup against the 49ers will be the first regular‑season game of the 2026 NFL season.
What’s next for the investigation?
Both cases remain open, and the NFL’s disciplinary process will continue to evaluate the facts. Schefter noted that the league’s investigation could still result in action, but no formal charges have been announced at this time.
Regardless of the outcome, the Rams are poised to start the season with a full‑strength roster, hoping to build on last year’s playoff appearance and contend for a Super Bowl run.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
