During a recent podcast episode featuring Matthew Stafford and other guests, Stafford expressed a hopeful outlook, saying he believes Nacua will be available. He acknowledged that the final decisions are up to the league and outside his control, but he noted that Nacua has looked good in practice and that there is optimism about him being ready to contribute when the season starts.
Nacua has established himself as a key component of the Rams’ offense, accumulating 4,191 receiving yards on 313 receptions with 19 touchdowns across 44 regular-season games. However, his offseason has been dominated by legal headlines.
In March, a civil lawsuit was filed against Nacua alleging assault and battery, gender violence, and negligence, arising from an incident at a New Year’s Eve dinner. Nacua’s attorney has publicly denied the claims, characterizing the allegations as a potential attempt to profit from a perceived misstep by a young athlete.
The case remains active, with a Los Angeles County judge setting a jury trial date for March 27, 2028. As the legal process unfolds, the NFL’s personal conduct policy is also involved, and the league is reviewing the situation. This has led to questions about whether Nacua could miss time in the 2026 season.
At present, Nacua has not been placed on any Commissioner’s Exempt List. This policy would prohibit a player from practicing, playing, or attending games, but it allows for presence at team facilities for meetings and non-football activities with club permission. As the investigation continues, the situation remains dynamic.
Insiders closer to the league have suggested there is a real possibility that Nacua could navigate the 2026 season without NFL discipline, depending on how the case develops. Some reports indicate that he could be active for high-stakes matchups early in the season, including a Week 1 showdown against a formidable rival in Melbourne, Australia, should travel and scheduling permit.
Regardless, the NFL maintains the authority to suspend a player under the Personal Conduct Policy if warranted by new information uncovered during its investigation. The Rams and their coaching staff, led by head coach Sean McVay, remain hopeful that Nacua will be able to contribute as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
As training camps progress and the season approaches, all eyes will be on how the situation evolves and how it might impact the Rams’ plans for the offense. If Nacua is cleared to play, he could again be a central figure in the Rams’ aerial attack, providing experienced production and playmaking ability for quarterback Matthew Stafford and the team as they aim to compete at a high level.
