Nacua did not practice Saturday for the second consecutive day, creating another concern for a Rams offense that could badly use him after a disappointing season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver was able to practice Thursday, but something changed afterward.

Head coach Sean McVay explained that Nacua experienced some soreness in his groin after Thursday’s practice. McVay said the current issue is separate from the psoas injury that forced Nacua to miss time during training camp, but the Rams are being cautious with one of their most important offensive players.

Will Puka Nacua play for Rams vs NY Giants?

Sean McVay said Puka Nacua felt good during Thursday’s practice but did not feel completely like himself when trying to open up and reach full speed. That prompted the Rams to take a cautious approach, with Nacua sitting out both Friday and Saturday’s practices.

The Rams coach has not ruled Nacua out for Monday night, meaning the star receiver’s status could ultimately be decided shortly before kickoff. McVay specifically said whether Nacua plays remains to be determined, making him a likely pregame decision for the Giants matchup.

Nacua’s availability would be particularly important for Matthew Stafford and the Rams after he led Los Angeles with five catches for 74 yards in the season-opening 27-7 loss to the 49ers. If he cannot play or is limited, Davante Adams and the rest of the Rams’ receiving corps would have to absorb a larger workload against New York.

For now, there is no indication that Nacua has suffered a major injury or that the issue is connected to his previous preseason problem. The Rams are simply being careful with the star receiver, but his consecutive missed practices mean Monday night’s pregame warmups could ultimately determine whether he takes the field against the Giants.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter stopped by The Pat McAfee Show and gave the latest update on what Nacua’s discipline may or may not look like. “I think there’s a real possibility that Puka Nacua doesn’t face any discipline this season… He’s gonna be out there against the San Francisco 49ers,” Schefter said, per Pat McAfee on X, formerly Twitter.

Nacua is currently involved in controversy. Off-field concerns started to ramp up for Nacua throughout last season with the Rams, some of which stemmed from a livestream with Twitch streamer N3on, among other controversies. Additionally, he has built up a considerable injury history over the years, which the team will certainly be keeping an eye on heading into this season.

Nacua’s presence is key

However, when he is on the field, Nacua is one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, using a lethal combination of speed, athleticism, and skill with his hands to shred opposing defenses and give the Rams one of the most explosive passing games in the NFL, led by reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford.

The Rams are considered favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, largely thanks to major offseason trades for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, and having Nacua on the field will undoubtedly help achieve that goal.

Nacua’s availability would keep the centerpiece of the Rams’ passing attack on the field in one of the most unusual Week 1 settings in NFL history. The 25-year-old led the league with 129 receptions last season, finishing with 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while earning First-Team All-Pro honors.

The Rams have spent weeks preparing for the possibility of the league stepping in prior to the season opener. Schefter’s latest update, however, points to Nacua traveling to Melbourne without a suspension and potentially playing the entire season without facing one.

As the Rams get ready to open their season against the 49ers in Australia this week, the status of Nacua received an update that leaves him on track to play in Week 1 despite his situation, per 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,” Schefter posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Nacua’s situation

Currently, a lawsuit has been filed against Nacua. It is alleged that Nacua bit a woman and her friend, in addition to making antisemitic comments during the incident.

Nacua voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility to improve his behavior. Meanwhile, the psoas injury — affecting a deep core muscle connecting the lumbar spine to the femur — allows walking and bend.

The biggest concern remains a potential suspension. He has been involved in several incidents, including live streaming from the locker room, which violates NFL rules. The NFL continues to investigate Nacua and could sanction him under its personal conduct policy.

Nacua’s performance

Nacua has put up strong production for the Rams. Over the last three seasons, he has played in 44 games, recording 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns. Last year, he recorded 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also adding one rushing touchdown.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, “Do not expect a Puka Nacua contract extension before the season. Do not.” Hence, Nacua should focus on balling out this year to make his pricetag just go bigger and bigger for the Rams to payout.

Rapoport also stated that Nacua is in a better place mentally than he has been in previous training camps. Arguably the NFL‘s best WR, Nacua’s off-field shenanigans are his biggest roadblocks. However, it seems he is in a better place.

Nacua has established himself as an elite WR

In just three years in the NFL, Nacua already reached all-time great levels. If he decided to retired today, Nacua would be the the all-time leader in yards per game with 95.3. In fact, it’s absolutely insane that Nacua reached these levels all through his rookie contract.

Nacua averages 104.3 catches for 1.397 yards per season, alongside 6.3 touchdowns. Nacua’s abilities to run routes, catch through traffic and be basically unguardable have made him one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

Nacua has overcome all the odds

Nacua came into the league without much hype. He was at Washington and BYU and was drafted 177th overall, in the fifth round. Nacua wasn’t even expected to become this star, as the Rams had triple-crown winner Cooper Kupp.

Nacua started steamrolling defenders from his first game. He became the Rams WR1 in no time, and then he climbed into the top of the NFL. As of now, he is in the same conversation as Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, to mention a few.

Per Sarah Barshop of ESPN, Sean McVay said Puka Nacua will be at training camp and will take part in the Rams practices. Many rumors stated that Nacua, who is looking for a very lucrative extension, might holdout, but that is not the case.

Nacua is one of the best wideouts in the NFL and has established himself as one of the most lethal weapons in football. However, in a world where WR are mainly diva-esque when seeking contracts, Nacua is taking another approach.

Nacua will go for a record-setting number

Following recent monster deals for wide receivers (Jaxon Smith-Njigba at $42.15M/year and Ja’Marr Chase at $40.25M/year), Nacua’s elite efficiency metrics justify resetting the WR market. The Rams should make it a priority to keep him on the roster. Estimations throw around a range from $42.5 million to $45 million per year.

Nacua had an NFL-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. He also led the NFL in yards per game with 107.2 and in receiving first downs with 80. All this granted him All-Pro honors.

The Rams could still use the Franchise Tag

If the Rams choose not to commit $40M+ per year immediately, they retain leverage with the 2027 Franchise Tag (projected around $31.5 million). This could very well be used by the Rams if needed, as they are also awaiting on the decision of Aaron Donald.

If Donald comes back, the Rams must pay him a heavy price, as Donald is under contract that had one year and $30 million left. So the fact is the Rams have to play chess on these contractual negotiations.

“I think it’s really, really cool to, one, be in the room with Matthew, who has done it at a high level for so long, and then see it from a wide receiver standpoint with Davante and Puka,” Simpson said at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

“And Davante especially, because of him being similar to Matthew, but I think both of those guys are two guys who are one of the greatest at their positions. The fact that I can watch both of them at the same time on my team, it’s a big advantage for me.”

Stafford will enter the 2026 NFL season at 38 years old. While age is often just a number, many see Ty Simpson as the Rams’ quarterback of the future moving forward. He will need to learn as much as possible so that when his moment arrives, he will be ready for the challenge.

Simpson has everything needed to succeed in the NFL

In his final season at Alabama, Ty Simpson delivered an impressive campaign as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback, showcasing his readiness for the professional level. He started all 15 games, completing 305 of 473 passes (a 64.5% completion percentage) for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, while adding two rushing scores on the ground.

Simpson possesses the ideal traits to succeed as an NFL quarterback, blending elite pocket poise with outstanding decision-making. Operating efficiently within a pro-style system, he excelled particularly in play-action schemes and intermediate throws, showing a natural ability to progress through his targets and deliver under pressure.

Furthermore, his exceptional ball security—highlighted by a minuscule 1.1% interception rate—along with his smart pocket mobility, gives him the foundational skill set required to effectively command a modern NFL offense.

Rams’ OTAs are a major test for Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams will hold OTAs from May 27-29 and June 2-5 before beginning training camp later in the summer, giving Ty Simpson the opportunity not only to observe firsthand the leadership and preparation habits of Matthew Stafford, but also to begin taking some snaps alongside stars like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.

The wide receiver market has been completely reset. Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed a four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seahawks, and the pressure is now on the Rams to respond.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Rams intend to address Puka Nacua’s extension this summer. However, Smith-Njigba’s massive deal has officially set the floor for Nacua’s next contract.

Puka Nacua vs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba by the numbers

Following an outstanding season that ended in a Super Bowl victory, the Seahawks knew they had to secure JSN with a long-term deal. This move directly impacts the Rams, as Puka Nacua has produced elite numbers remarkably similar to the Seattle star.

Both Nacua and Smith-Njigba have been in the league for three seasons. Statistically, the Rams’ playmaker actually leads in several categories, recording more receptions (313 vs. 282), more receiving yards (4,191 vs. 3,551), and more touchdowns (21 vs. 20).

The primary difference between the two lies in their recent accolades. While both are two-time Pro Bowlers and one-time All-Pros, Smith-Njigba has the edge with a Super Bowl ring and the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year award—honors Nacua has yet to secure.

Will Puka Nacua’s deal surpass Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s?

With the bar now set at $42.15 million per year by Smith-Njigba, fans are debating Nacua’s true market value. Does his superior statistical output earn him more than JSN?

According to projections from Spotrac, Nacua is expected to sign a deal worth approximately $38.7 million per year. If he signs at that price point, he would become the third highest-paid wide receiver in the league, trailing only JSN and Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ernest Jones IV, who is now a two-time Super Bowl winner, took notice that Rams wideout Puka Nacua tweeted “Sam Darnold” followed by laughing emojis late in the Super Bowl. Jones didn’t like this and retaliated after the game quoting Nacua’s post with a “Ain’t you at home. Goofy a–.“

It’s not the first time Jones comes out to defend Darnold. After Darnold threw four picks in Week 11 against the Rams, Jones took time to defend the now-Super Bowl-winning quarterback. “Sam’s been balling,” Jones said. “If we want to try to define Sam by this game, Sam’s had us in every f—— game. So for him to sit there and say, ‘That’s my fault,’ no it’s not… He’s our quarterback. We’ve got his back, and if you’ve got anything to say, quite frankly, f— you.”

Jones himself had a great Super Bowl LX outing

The fact is Ernest Jones balled out against the Patriots and he didn’t even know. Jones appeared on ESPN postgame, and when the broadcast told him he had 11 tackles, his reaction was priceless, as you can see below.

Johnson played all defensive snaps, and he was fantastic all game. However, this spans throughout the year. Jones led the team with 125 total tackles and also had five interceptions, which puts him second-best in the NFL despite him being a linebacker. Not only that, but he led the NFL in interceptions yards with 150.

Jones is feuding with a former teammate of his

Puka Nacua and Ernest Jones actually played with each other. Jones earned his first Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021 and played with Nacua in the 2023 season. Nacua led the team in receiving yards and Jones led the Rams in tackles that season. However, it seems like they are not in great terms now.

Jones ultimately had the last laugh in this feud. He won a Super Bowl before Nacua got to the Rams, then he left and went on to eliminate Nacua this year to eventually win the Super Bowl again.

The Rams featured two elite wide receivers in Nacua and Adams. The pairing proved nearly unstoppable during the 2025–26 campaign, giving Los Angeles one of the most productive passing attacks in the league. Once the season ended, Nacua opened up about what it meant to share the field with the veteran.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Nacua described Adams’ skill set in almost mythical terms. The 24-year-old said his first practices with the 12-year veteran forced him to realize how much higher the standard truly was. Watching Adams work, he understood improvement was mandatory.

“We were in April, and I’m standing on the 40 yard line,” Nacua said. “I’m right behind No. 17. He is running a stop route. The ground is shaking as he stops. He is 20 yards away from me. Then boom, boom, boom, transition, out of the break, three steps, technique, sound, crisp. And it is April, and I am like, I gotta be better. I got so much to work on.”

The fantastic duo of Nacua and Adams

The Rams’ receiver tandem was arguably the best in the league, and they helped quarterback Matthew Stafford capture his first MVP award. Nacua finished the regular season with 129 receptions, a league high 1,715 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Adams, at 33, added 60 catches for 789 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns.

Los Angeles was positioned to bring both wideouts back again. Nacua became eligible for a contract extension, and many around the league expected a significant deal to come together. Adams, meanwhile, is prepared to enter the second season of his two-year, $44 million agreement with the Rams.

Beyond that, the Rams also received clarity about Stafford’s future. During the ceremony in which he was officially recognized as the 2025 NFL MVP, the veteran confirmed he would return for an 18th season. His announcement quieted any retirement speculation and kept Los Angeles’ championship window firmly open.

Les Snead is one of the best general managers in the NFL. Hence, amid all the retirement rumors of Matthew Stafford, Snead is also focusing on extending All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua. “It seems like, ‘OK, that’s a pretty simple contract because it’s pretty self-explanatory.. But there’s also so many variables… that go into that, that make it more complex than it would seem on the surface level… You’ve got to begin communication and begin working through it to come up with a win-win solution.”

Nacua was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. During his three years, he has 4,191 yards and led the NFL in receptions this season. He also led the NFL in yards per game with 107.2 and scored 10 touchdowns.

Nacua became one of the most unstoppable forces in the NFL

Building a huge chemistry with Matthew Stafford, Nacua is arguably the quarterback’s best friend. His routes are super crisp, his hands are too safe, and his toughness and ability to get yards after catch are too good to ignore.

Stafford had a 127.3 rating when he threw in Nacua’s direction. If Nacua is not on the Rams, the team’s stocks will crash. Hence, it’s good to see Snead is already working on closing a deal with Nacua.

Rams are coming back with a vengeance in 2026

Head coach Sean McVay spoke about Stafford’s future. The hope is the team can bring back most of the core to challenge for the Super Bowl once again. They lost the NFC Championship Game to the Seahawks, and that was a big blow for the team.

However, the Rams lost their offensive coordinator. On the other hand, it seems like they will be able to retain defensive coordinator Chris Shula. They lost the one they could afford to lose, as McVay is the playcaller of the team and he takes command on offense. That is a positive for the Rams coming into the 2026 season.

After the game, Nacua was candid about his mistakes. Arash Markazi shared video of the wide receiver’s comments on X: “We had our opportunities in the red zone and I just wasn’t on the same page as Matthew. Just the opportunities that I missed,” said Nacua, who did score a touchdown against the Seahawks.

Despite posting a strong stat line with nine receptions, Nacua remained humble after the loss and apologized to his teammates. “Those moments flash by in your head and I apologize to the defense for putting them in those situations,” he said.

Nacua’s second-best playoff game

Even while admitting he was not fully in sync with Stafford, Nacua’s performance in the NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks marked the second-best playoff game of his career in terms of receiving yards. His top outing remains the Jan. 14, 2024 game against the Lions, when he recorded 181 receiving yards on nine catches with one touchdown.

The 165-yard performance against Seattle surpassed his 111 receiving yards against the Panthers on Jan. 10, 2026. In that game at Carolina, Nacua caught 10 passes, which remains the highest reception total of his playoff career.

Nacua has one year remaining on his contract with the Rams for next season, with an estimated salary of $5.8 million, according to Spotrac. A significant contract extension is expected after he posted more than 2,000 receiving yards in a single season, including the playoffs, a feat previously accomplished by Cooper Kupp.

“For the Los Angeles Rams, Puka Nacua coming off a breakout season, another one, 1,700 yards, due for a massive contract extension that could make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL,” Ian Rapoport said on Jan. 25 on NFL GameDay.