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Rams Expect Nacua, Jackson to Play in Season Opener
Confirmed
In Short: The Los Angeles Rams do not expect wide receiver Puka Nacua and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson to face suspension for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, despite ongoing legal issues.
According to head coach Sean McVay, both players will suit up for the Rams' Week 1 game in Melbourne, Australia, despite Nacua's recent legal troubles and Jackson's arrest for felony domestic violence. McVay stated, 'Yeah, absolutely,' in response to questions about their availability.
Despite the legal situations, Nacua had voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth and was able to participate in the Rams' offseason program. Jackson, on the other hand, was arrested on June 9 but has since been cleared to play.
The Rams' depth chart for the start of the 2026 season also revealed that rookie Ty Simpson will be the third-string quarterback, while the availability of star defensive linemen Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett remains uncertain. Donald traveled with the team, suggesting they plan to play him, while Garrett's knee injury has kept him out of practice.
The NFL season is set to begin, with the Rams facing the 49ers in a highly anticipated matchup. The team's defensive line, bolstered by Garrett and Donald, is expected to be a key factor in their success.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Ohio State’s offense put on a fireworks show in the Buckeyes’ season opener against Ball State.
- Smith caught another touchdown pass with 10 seconds to play before halftime to complete an eight-catch, 151-yard, two-touchdown half that gave the Buckeyes a 28-3 lead at halftime.
- The offensive fireworks continued in the third quarter as running backs Bo and Ja’Kobi Jackson each broke long touchdown runs to extend Ohio State’s lead to 42-3.
- Jeremiah Smith’s very first catch of the season went for a spectacular 48-yard touchdown as he hauled in a Julian Sayin deep ball over coverage with one hand.
- 1 @OhioStateFB 's Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith have already connected on their first TD of the season.
- Watch on @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/2G4Uoa7aNx On the opening play of the second quarter, TJ Alford made the Ohio State defense’s first takeaway of the season, intercepting Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster, who was hurried on a nice rush by freshman defensive end Khary Wilder, who was in the game at defensive tackle.
- "Yeah, absolutely," McVay said in his Sunday news conference after being asked if he expected the two to suit up against the Niners, via ESPN's Sarah Barshop.
- Sean McVay does not foresee wide receiver Puka Nacua or offensive tackle Alaric Jackson being unavailable for the Los Angeles Rams' Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.