Puka Nacua suspended
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The gist
ESPN's Adam Schefter says NFL could suspend Rams receiver Puka Nacua for Week 1. The league is reviewing his offseason biting and antisemitic incident, leaving his status uncertain.
Background
Puka Nacua, a star wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, faces potential NFL discipline for off-field incidents from last year. He was sued in March for alleged assault and battery, including biting a woman and making an antisemitic comment. The NFL is still reviewing the case, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that a suspension for Week 1 is possible. Nacua also dealt with a recent injury scare, though it was confirmed as just soreness.
How it unfolded
- Dec 2025Nacua allegedly made an antisemitic gesture on a livestream, which he later apologized for, and the NFL and Rams condemned.
- Mar 2026A woman filed a civil lawsuit against Nacua, accusing him of biting her on the shoulder and making an antisemitic comment on New Year's Eve.
- Aug 11, 2026ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on his podcast that the NFL is still weighing a possible suspension for Nacua, potentially affecting Week 1.
- Aug 14, 2026Rams coach Sean McVay confirmed Nacua's injury is just soreness and he should return to practice next week.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- ESPN's Adam Schefter says it's 'within the realm of options' that Nacua misses the season opener against the 49ers.
- Fantasy Experts
- Fantasy analysts suggest any suspension would likely be short (1-2 games), so Nacua's draft value remains relatively high.
Still unverified
The specific details of the alleged biting incident and the antisemitic comment are based on the lawsuit and reports, but the NFL has not officially confirmed any discipline. The exact length of any potential suspension is unknown.