The Los Angeles Rams received positive news just days before their 2026 season opener. Head coach Sean McVay expects Puka Nacua to be available against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, Sept. 10, in Australia.
McVay also expects left tackle Alaric Jackson to be available. Both players had drawn attention during the offseason because of separate off-field situations, but as of Monday, Sept. 7, they remain on the active roster and there is no suspension preventing them from playing in the opener. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Will Puka Nacua play against the 49ers?
The Rams' current expectation is yes. McVay said Sunday that he expects both Nacua and Jackson to be available Thursday and that he has not received any information indicating a change in their status.
This is particularly important for Nacua, who enters the new season as one of Los Angeles' most important offensive weapons. The receiver had been under scrutiny during the offseason, but his Week 1 playing status currently appears to be moving toward a favorable outcome.
Unless there is a suspension or an official change to his status, the Rams' plan is to prepare him to participate normally.
Nacua is a key part of the offense
Puka Nacua's importance to Los Angeles is difficult to overlook. The receiver is coming off an outstanding 2025 season in which he recorded 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Those numbers placed him among the NFL's most productive players and made him a central part of the Rams' offense.
His availability against San Francisco could directly affect the game plan. Los Angeles can use him as one of its primary options to move the chains, create explosive plays and open space for the rest of the receiving corps.
Alaric Jackson also expected to play
Alaric Jackson's status is equally important. The left tackle occupies a critical position in protecting the quarterback and supporting the running game.
McVay expects Jackson to be available against San Francisco as well. Like Nacua, his status could change if the NFL makes a later determination, but the head coach has no information indicating that such a change is coming before the game.
Against a defense featuring players such as Nick Bosa, having stability along the offensive line will be especially important.
Rams and 49ers open the season in Australia
The Los Angeles-San Francisco matchup will be played Thursday, Sept. 10, at Melbourne Cricket Ground and will be the first NFL regular-season game held in Australia. The league has scheduled kickoff for 8:35 p.m. Eastern Time, with the game streaming on Netflix. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
The matchup also carries divisional importance because the Rams and 49ers are both members of the NFC West. Opening the season against a direct division rival makes the availability of key players even more significant.
What does Nacua's availability mean?
Having Nacua from the opening game allows Los Angeles to maintain much of the offensive structure it has prepared during the offseason.
His presence also forces San Francisco to account for another major threat in coverage. If Nacua is on the field, the 49ers' defense must find a way to limit him without neglecting the Rams' other offensive weapons.
For now, McVay's message is clear: Los Angeles expects Puka Nacua and Alaric Jackson to be available for the opener. There is no absolute guarantee until the appropriate status is finalized, but the current outlook is favorable for both players.
Attention will now turn to the final practices and any official update before the historic matchup in Melbourne.