HC Sean McVay says he expects WR Puka Nacua to play in Thursday night's opener against the 49ers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What They're Saying
Schefter: "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."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Expect to Have Nacua
This has been our expectation as well.
The physical issue never appeared serious enough to challenge Nacua's regular-season status. The primary concern here seems to be the off-field issues.
But we've also gotten no indication that a suspension's coming; just a couple of reminders from Schefter that the league's still investigating.
The situation has dinged our floor projection for Nacua, but he hasn't moved much in our preseason rankings.
Of course, if you have yet to draft and feel comfier taking Ja'Marr Chase over Nacua, that's a reasonable move.
Just know that more generally fading Nacua for off-field concerns could backfire if he plays all 17 games.
And if you have him, expect to start Nacua without issue in Week 1.
