Puka Nacua Expected To Play In Rams’ Regular-Season Opener Against 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams begin their regular-season schedule with a Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia on Thursday.

The Rams are heading into the matchup relatively healthy, but one question mark is Puka Nacua’s playing status. Not only has he been dealing with psoas soreness, but there is a chance he could be suspended by the NFL at some point for a previous off-the-field issue.

Despite those uncertainties, the Rams expect Nacua to suit up against the 49ers, via Adam Schefter of ESPN:

Rams WR Puka Nacua, who has been dealing with psoas soreness and also could be facing potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy for previous off-the-field behavior, is expected to play in Week 1 vs. the 49ers, per HC Sean McVay. pic.twitter.com/2tUXpKlrfW

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2026

Nacua is facing a lawsuit after allegedly biting a woman on New Year’s Eve. He has also been limited by the psoas injury in recent weeks, but all signs point to him playing against the 49ers.

Nacua has established himself as one of the top wide receivers since entering the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick in 2023. The 25-year-old is entering a pivotal year as he looks to secure a long-term contract extension from the Rams.

Nacua is coming off his best season yet, catching an NFL-best 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games (15 starts). He was able to put up those numbers despite missing a full game and parts of two others due to injury.

Nacua made his second career Pro Bowl, was a first-team All-Pro and finished third in Offensive Player of the Year voting. He was ranked No. 7 on the NFL Top 100 list going into the 2026 season.

Puka Nacua doesn’t plan to livestream anymore

Nacua was involved in several controversies at the end of the 2025 season that brought negative attention to the Rams as they advanced all the way to the NFC Championship Game.

Nacua made headlines after unknowingly performing an antisemitic dance during an appearance on a livestream with Adin Ross and N3on. He also raised some eyebrows when he implied that some NFL officials only make calls for the sole purpose of getting on TV.

Nacua has seemingly learned from his past mistakes and does not plan to livestream in the future.

“There’s definitely a little bit more thought in going, what’s going on,” Nacua said during an appearance on the “Impaulsive” podcast.

“Let’s preface, let’s have somewhat of an itinerary of some of the things that might be happening or what’s going to be said and done. I wouldn’t say I’m big into the streaming world anymore. I think I had a decent little run, and I think I’m over it.”