Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay expects wide receiver Puka Nacua to play against the San Francisco 49ers next week.
Nacua, an All-Pro receiver, has shown significant progress in his recovery from a core muscle injury sustained three weeks prior and is likely to be on the field for the NFC West rivals' game in Melbourne on Thursday night. This follows an offseason that was marked by both injury concerns and legal issues.
The 25-year-old player is awaiting a decision from the NFL regarding potential punishment for off-field conduct. Nacua faces accusations of biting a woman and making an antisemitic statement during a New Year's Eve incident, as detailed in a civil lawsuit. NFL Insider Adam Schefter previously reported that Nacua, who also underwent a rehabilitation program during the offseason, could face a league suspension.
Earlier this week, Nacua's ex-girlfriend, Hallie Aiono, shared her experiences of "extreme betrayal, abuse and complete neglect" during their relationship, stating she has sought professional help to address her mental health. Aiono detailed these challenges in a TikTok video, explaining that while public events affected her, private matters were particularly devastating. She and Nacua began dating in 2021 while attending Brigham Young University, where Nacua was a prominent football player.
Aiono supported Nacua as he entered the NFL as a rookie in 2023, breaking the rookie receiving yards record. The couple later separated while Aiono was pregnant, leading to a paternity case filed in June 2025. Aiono sought to establish Nacua as the father of their child, requesting full physical custody and joint legal custody. Their son, Kingston, was born in December 2025, with Nacua present at the birth.
Nacua has spoken about his personal journey, stating in May after rehab that the experience provided "a moment for me to learn from some of the situations I was putting myself in and then also having just an awareness of how I'm conducting myself in and out of this football field." He has been working with a Rams therapist and attending weekly meetings, focusing on improving his daily structure. Nacua expressed gratitude for the support from the organization and his teammates.
In a separate incident, Nacua was also reported to have been left covered in blood after running into a glass door at a party hosted by Michael Rubin.
Nacua, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Rams. Last season, he led the NFL with 129 receptions and ranked second with 1,715 receiving yards.