Rams Expect Puka Nacua, Alaric Jackson to Play vs. 49ers

Rams Expect Puka Nacua, Alaric Jackson to Play in Season Opener Against 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams do not anticipate wide receiver Puka Nacua and left tackle Alaric Jackson facing suspension for Thursday’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, despite ongoing legal matters for both players. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the expectation Sunday.

McVay Confirms Availability for Week 1

“Yeah, absolutely,” McVay said when asked if he expected the pair to be able to face the Niners in Australia. “That’s what I’ve heard. I haven’t heard anything different.”

The comment aligns with a previous report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Aug. 30, which indicated neither player would be placed on the commissioner exempt list that day, though both cases remained under NFL review.

Legal Situations Remain Under Review

Nacua and Jackson have each been involved in separate legal proceedings this offseason:

• Puka Nacua: In March, a woman in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit alleging Nacua made an “unprovoked antisemitic statement” toward her and later bit her on the shoulder.
• Alaric Jackson: In June, Jackson was arrested on a domestic violence charge. He was not charged with a felony. In July, his case was referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and assigned to a pre-filing diversion program—an alternative to misdemeanor criminal prosecution for eligible individuals.

At the start of training camp, McVay acknowledged both situations were ongoing and said the team had been in contact “with both the legal system and the league to be able to get all the necessary information.”

Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett Practice Status

McVay did not yet say whether defensive tackle Aaron Donald—who came out of retirement last week after two seasons—would play against the 49ers. McVay confirmed Donald will practice Sunday.

“We’re truly taking it a day at a time,” McVay said. “I’ll have all those injury updates and stuff like that for you on Tuesday.”

Defensive end Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will also practice Sunday after missing most of training camp due to knee soreness.