Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) speaks to media after training camp at Loyola Marymount University.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Questions regarding Puka Nacua's status in the Los Angeles Rams' Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia have been floating around the league due to the star wideout's possible suspension. But even after Sean McVay stated he expects Nacua to play, there are still some injury concerns to think about.
While the 25-year-old wide receiver is facing a potential suspension, he is also dealing with psoas soreness, which is located around the hip, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Although that may be the case, Nacua is trending in the right direction to play for the Rams in the first “Thursday Night Football” matchup of the 2026-27 season.
“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 reported.
Psoas soreness is considered an ache or tightness feeling in the major muscle that connects the lower spine to the top of the legs. It does not appear to be a major concern, and should be something the four-year veteran bounces back from without many issues.
Nacua enters the new campaign coming off a career year last season. He led the NFL in receptions with 129, giving him 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also led the league in first downs (80) and receiving yards per game (107.2). His performance was good enough to earn him a First-Team All-Pro for the first time in his career.
Puka Nacua still faces a possible suspension after his ex-girlfriend accused him of abusing her. The allegations are currently under investigation, and the league likely won't make a final decision on the Rams' star until that investigation concludes.