Rams expect both Puka Nacua, Alaric Jackson to play against 49ers in Australia despite off-field incidents

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay expects both star wide receiver Puka Nacua and left tackle Alaric Jackson to be on the field on Thursday in Melbourne.

McVay said Sunday that he doesn't believe either player will be suspended for the team's season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, despite their respective off-field issues in recent months.

"Absolutely," McVay said Sunday when asked if he thought both players would be available, via ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "That's what I've heard. I haven't heard anything different."

A woman filed a lawsuit against Nacua earlier this offseason, accusing him of making an antisemitic statement and biting her shoulder. The woman cited gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence in her lawsuit. Nacua has denied the allegations against him.

Nacua was also involved in several incidents last season, including appearing on a live stream before a game and agreeing to perform an antisemitic touchdown celebration. He entered a holistic care facility this past offseason to focus on his personal growth and has been practicing and preparing for the 2026 campaign normally with the Rams.

Nacua had a career-high 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last season while bringing in a league-high 129 catches. The Rams went 12-5 and reached the NFC title game.

Jackson was arrested on a domestic violence charge in June. He was not charged with a felony, however, and his case was assigned for a pre-filing diversion program as an alternative to misdemeanor criminal prosecution.

Jackson is entering his sixth season in the league. The former Iowa standout signed a three-year, $57 million extension with the team in February 2025.

Both Jackson's case and Nacua's case are under review by the NFL. The league could still hand down punishment and suspend either or both players before Thursday's game in Australia (8:35 p.m. ET, Netflix).