# Puka Nacua: Contract status, legal battles, and NFL review > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/puka-nacua-contract-and-performance > Updated: 2026-08-20T03:31:39.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 8. By August 2026, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua faces a combination of elite on-field production, an ongoing civil lawsuit, and potential NFL disciplinary action. Despite entering the final year of his rookie contract without an extension, Nacua has maintained historic performance, accumulating 313 receptions and 4,191 yards over his first three seasons. Off-field legal issues persist via Madison Atiabi’s civil suit, which alleges assault, battery, and gender-based violence stemming from a New Year’s Eve 2023 biting incident. Atiabi’s attorney recently released color photographs of the bite marks to support claims of injury. Nacua, who previously described the incident as “horseplay” and completed a stint in a luxury rehabilitation facility, has denied plans to hold out of training camp. As the 2026 season approaches, Nacua’s status is further complicated by physical setbacks and league scrutiny. On August 11, Nacua left a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys early due to “minor groin soreness.” By August 17, head coach Sean McVay clarified that Nacua is specifically dealing with “psoas soreness.” While his absence from practice has lasted longer than initially expected, McVay indicated Nacua will “probably” return to practice the following week. Simultaneously, the NFL is reviewing Nacua’s offseason conduct under its personal conduct policy following allegations from March. This review, which includes reports of an incident involving a woman and an antisemitic remark, could result in a suspension that might cause him to miss the season opener in Australia. While McVay has praised Nacua’s accountability, the team’s decision regarding a long-term contract remains pending his professional and personal conduct. Insider Nate Atkins noted that while a massive contract is inevitable for the star receiver, it may not necessarily come from the Rams if the team remains uncertain about his long-term fit and off-field conduct. ## Claims - Puka Nacua said he never considered holding out of training camp. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Nacua is entering the final year of his four‑year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Rams. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Nacua issued a public apology in December for a livestream gesture that resembled antisemitic tropes. (corroborated by 6 sources) - In March, a woman sued Nacua alleging an antisemitic statement and that he bit her on the shoulder. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Nacua could face a league suspension in the upcoming season if off‑field behavior does not improve. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Rams officials and NFL analysts said the team will not offer a contract extension to Nacua before the 2026 season. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Head coach Sean McVay reported that Puka Nacua sustained a mysterious injury during training camp. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Puka Nacua recorded 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2025 season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Nate Atkins suggested that while a massive extension for Nacua is expected, it may not come from the Los Angeles Rams. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Puka Nacua is facing a potential NFL suspension following an offseason biting incident and other off-field controversies. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Nacua's rookie contract was worth just over $4 million total, with a $1.03 million base salary in 2025. (single source) - Nacua led the NFL in receptions with 129 catches in the 2025 season. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Puka Nacua faces potential NFL suspension and contract uncertainty Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua faces a potential NFL suspension due to off-field incidents while his future contract status remains uncertain with the team. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puka-nacua-faces-potential-nfl-suspension-and-contract-uncertainty ### 2026-08-17: Los Angeles Rams star players Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett face delayed returns Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay expects star players Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett to return to practice next week following absences due to psoas soreness and knee swelling. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-rams-star-players-puka-nacua-and-myles-garrett-face-delayed-returns ### 2026-08-13: Puka Nacua faces new scrutiny following facial injury at celebrity party Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua recently revealed a facial injury sustained from running into glass at a celebrity party, adding to a year of legal and personal controversies. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puka-nacua-sustains-facial-injury-at-michael-rubins-white-party ### 2026-08-10: Los Angeles Rams face injury and suspension concerns for Puka Nacua Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua left a joint practice with the Cowboys due to groin soreness, while also facing a potential NFL suspension for offseason conduct. Defensive end Myles Garrett also missed practice. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puka-nacua-faces-injury-and-potential-nfl-suspension ### 2026-07-30: Puka Nacua Dismisses Holdout Idea, Emphasizes Reputation Rebuilding with Rams Puka Nacua says he won’t hold out, focuses on rebuilding reputation as off‑field issues and a pending lawsuit may delay a Rams contract extension. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puka-nacua-plays-on-as-rams-delay-any-contract-extension ### 2026-07-21: Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua faces civil lawsuit over alleged bite Madison Atiabi sues Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua over a New Year's Eve bite, citing deeper wounds, a tetanus shot and emotional distress; authorities moved from a misdemeanor probe to a diversion, and N 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-rams-receiver-puka-nacua-faces-civil-lawsuit-over-alleged-bite ### 2026-07-15: Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua hailed for record rookie output and contract prospects Rams WR Puka Nacua set rookie reception and yardage records, holds NFL playoff receiving records, and faces a crucial 2026 season as his contract negotiations loom. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-rams-wr-puka-nacua-hailed-for-record-rookie-output-and-contract-prospects ### 2026-07-04: Puka Nacua’s contract status and off‑field developments as Rams weigh extensions The Rams have not begun extension talks with wideout Puka Nacua, who recently finished rehab, faces a lawsuit, and has co‑parenting updates as his ex‑girlfriend hints at new dating. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puka-nacuas-contract-status-and-offfield-developments-as-rams-weigh-extensions --- Cite as: Puka Nacua: Contract status, legal battles, and NFL review. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/puka-nacua-contract-and-performance