The Los Angeles Rams will have Puka Nacua back in their lineup this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. And while fantasy football owners are thrilled, some are still questioning what led to his early-season absence.
Nacua, who had 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last season, suited up for Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. He then sat out against the New York Giants and Denver Broncos due to a hip injury.
Despite being on the injury report for the past two weeks, NFL fans were convinced Nacua was serving a “silent suspension.” During the 2026 offseason, Nacua was accused of biting a woman. He was also accused of “threatening, violent, and harassing conduct” during an alleged incident that occurred on December 31, 2025.
“After eating, the woman says she and her friend, along with Puka and others, got into a Sprinter van when he became ‘touchy-feely.’ She says Puka, out of nowhere, ‘dropped his head into [her] girlfriend’s lap and crotch area and bit her thumb so forcefully that she screamed in acute pain’ … before turning to her and biting her left shoulder and breaking skin, leaving a circular imprint of his teeth,” the report from TMZ states. “The woman included a photo of her alleged injury in her TRO application.”
All the chatter about a “silent suspension” got louder this week when the Rams shared a video of Nacua at practice. The All-Pro seemed to be moving incredibly well despite his hip injury.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
“Silent suspension is over! Lets balll,” one fan wrote on X.
“Extension before Sunday would make that very clear lol,” a second fan commented.
“Theory doesn’t make sense,” another fan argued. “Why would they play him Week 1? What evidence suggests he had a ‘silent suspension’ or that kind of thing exists?”
“No doubt that this was a silent suspension by the Rams for his offseason biting incident,” a social media user wrote. “Wouldn’t be surprised if they made a deal with the NFL that he would be held out two games so he wouldn’t be formally suspended by the league. He’s fine! Let’s roll Puka!!!!”
Of course, there’s zero proof the Rams or NFL handed Nacua a “silent suspension.”
Puka Nacua is ready to roll.
Following Friday’s practice session for the Rams, the fan base received a very encouraging update on Nacua.
“He’s looked really good,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “Physically, he’s getting in and out of his brakes. Looks strong. Looks sturdy. Looks explosive. … He looks ready to go.”
Nacua added that he’s “feeling the urge” to rejoin his teammates on the field. Obviously, they’d love to have him back out there.
