The Los Angeles Rams fans can rest easy. Puka Nacua is trending toward starting for the Rams on opening day against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia’s first-ever NFL game.
In just three years, Nacua has established himself as the Rams’ undisputed number one receiver. In his rookie year, Nacua had 1486 yards and 6 touchdowns. Last year, he led the league with 80 first-down catches on 129 receptions and averaged 107.2 yards per catch.
Nacua earned his second Pro Bowl selection and his first career All-Pro honors. The Rams have future Hall of Famer Davante Adams on the roster. They brought back Tutu Atwell, but the rest of the players are either rookies or in their second year. So, Nacua’s availability is a concern for last year’s NFC runner-ups.
On September 10, the Rams take on the Niners at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia’s first-ever NFL fixture. Before jetting off to the land down under, the Rams received a boost regarding Nacua. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the 25-year-old wide receiver is expected to play in the season’s opener.
Fans love Nacua for his swashbuckling playing style on the gridiron, but he also has a dark side that often slips out when his not playing football. Over the last two offseasons, Nacua has drawn unwanted attention toward himself.
The former Washington and BYU man tried to woo Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney, and when he failed, downplayed his actions by portraying .
Afterward, Nacua faced flak for making anti-Semitic gestures on a live stream. Even though apologized, fans had grown restless with his shenanigans. But the cream of the crop was yet to reveal itself.
Nacua allegedly at a bar while out partying and shouted anti-Semitic chants. Footage and photographs from the night confirmed the bite marks. A on March 25 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, said that his client denied all allegations.
Meanwhile, Nacua’s ex-partner Hallie Aiono alleged that he was when they were together. In a now-deleted TikTok video, the alleged baby mother of Nacua’s child spoke about seeking professional help to cope with the situation.
NFL is reportedly reviewing Aiono’s statement. If the committee finds Nacua guilty, then he could be sidelined for an X number of games. But the redeeming factor is that Nacua wasn’t placed on the NFL’s Commissioner’s Exempt List. Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been added to that list while embroiled in a legal scandal regarding an alleged altercation with his girlfriend.
Judging by Schefter’s words, Nacua is unlikely to receive a suspension. But if he does, then the Rams need someone to take his place. Sean McVay can start an extra pass-catching tight end. 6-foot-5 Terrance Ferguson fits that bill perfectly.
The Rams drafted the former Oregon Duck 46th overall last year. He made 14 appearances, caught 11 passes for 231 yards, and scored 3 touchdowns.
The Rams kick off their 2026 NFL campaign against the 49ers in Melbourne. Fans can watch the game on Netflix.