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NEW YORK – The Rams already have enough problems trying to climb out of a 2-4 hole.
Hanging over that effort is the possibility of losing two of their most important offensive players to NFL discipline.
Wide receiver Puka Nacua and left tackle Alaric Jackson remain under league review for off-field incidents, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The California Post on Wednesday. There is no timeline for a decision in either matter.
That leaves the Rams trying to rescue their season while waiting to learn whether their path will become even more difficult.
The hope had been to build enough of a cushion in the standings to absorb potential suspensions. Instead, the Rams have left themselves little margin for error, and an injury to wide receiver Davante Adams has further complicated their situation.
If Nacua is suspended while Adams remains unavailable, an offense built around its star receivers would suddenly be severely limited at the position.
That would put even more pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford and coach Sean McVay to manufacture production with a depleted supporting cast, all while the Rams are trying to string together the wins necessary to get back into contention.
Jackson’s importance is just as significant, even if his work comes with considerably less attention.
Protecting Stafford’s blind side is central to the Rams’ offensive operation. Any extended absence at left tackle would create another obstacle for a team that can ill afford additional disruption.
The Rams already experienced life without Jackson in Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals, when he served a suspension separate from the pending off-field review.
Now they are left managing two difficult realities: the immediate need to win and the uncertainty surrounding who will be available to help them do it.
The cushion they wanted never materialized.
And the waiting game offers no relief.
Nacua faces a civil lawsuit filed by Madison Atiabi, who alleges the receiver bit her shoulder and made an antisemitic remark during a New Year’s Eve outing. Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the alleged remark and characterized the biting as “horseplay.” Atiabi withdrew her request for a restraining order in April to focus on the lawsuit.
Jackson’s review follows his June arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence. Authorities investigated an incident in which he allegedly tried to take a phone from a woman, leaving scratches on her arm. In July, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office assigned the case to a pre-filing diversion program, giving Jackson an opportunity to avoid criminal charges. The office said the case remained open and could be reevaluated if further developments emerged.
That matter is separate from Jackson’s suspension for striking Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after their game earlier this month. The NFL initially imposed a two-game suspension before reducing it to one, which Jackson served during Sunday’s loss to Arizona. Completing that punishment cleared the way for his return, but did not resolve the league’s ongoing off-field review.