Puka Nacua had a season for the ages in 2025, beating out Jaxon Smith-Njigba to be the overall WR1 for the Los Angeles Rams' top-ranked offense. Now, questions surround his availability for the upcoming season.
The fourth-year pro is being sued
for assault and battery by a woman who claims he made an antisemitic statement and bit her shoulder on New Year's Eve. Nacua, 25, has vehemently denied the allegations.“Puka denies these allegations in the strongest possible terms,” Nacua's lawyer, Levi McCathern II, said in a March statement to USA TODAY Sports. “We will be filing a defamation lawsuit and pursuing all available legal remedies in response to these false and damaging statements.”
Shortly after the alleged incident, Nacua entered a rehabilitation
facility "to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life," McCathern said.
Here's what we know about Nacua's legal situation and how it could potentially impact his availability for 2026.
Will Puka Nacua be suspended in 2026?
It's unclear yet, but chances are he won't be suspended because he wasn't placed on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List. The list prohibits players from practicing and playing in games while the NFL reviews possible violations of its personal conduct policy, though it allows them to keep receiving paychecks. Josh Jacobs was recently placed on the list while embroiled in a legal scandal regarding an alleged altercation with his girlfriend, making him more of a likely candidate to face suspension.
Who will replace Puka Nacua if he's suspended?
While it seems unlikely Nacua will miss time due to suspension, tight end Terrance Ferguson could be a beneficiary in the event that does happen. Ferguson is a 6-foot-5 field stretcher who could effectively serve as an extra wide receiver for the Rams despite his tight end label. Target Ferguson wherever you can in drafts, as he's set for a massive leap this year. As for Nacua, you can comfortably take him in the first round.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Will Puka Nacua get suspended? How to handle Rams WR in 2026 fantasy football drafts
