Standout wide receiver Puka Nacua remains eligible to be in the Rams’ lineup for their season-opening game Thursday night against the 49ers in Australia even while facing potential discipline by the NFL for his off-field behavior.
Nacua’s case is still under review by the league under its personal conduct policy. But the NFL has taken no action to this point.
The Rams are scheduled to leave Los Angeles late Tuesday to travel to Melbourne. They remained in the L.A. area to practice while the 49ers traveled to Australia last week to acclimate. The game is scheduled to be played at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday in the U.S., which is 10:35 a.m. Friday in Melbourne.
Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters Sunday that the team expects Nacua and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson to be able to play against the 49ers. Jackson also faces possible discipline by the NFL under the conduct policy.
Late last month, the NFL put Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Seahawks cornerback Terrion Arnold on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning both players are on paid administrative leave. Both of those players face criminal charges and could remain on paid leave until their legal cases are resolved.
