Alaric

Jackson

McVay’s comments also relate to Nacua’s status with the league office. The 25-year-old wide receiver was at one point thought to be a suspension candidate, but the league has made no such ruling while doling out suspensions and Commissioner Exempt List placements elsewhere in the league. Rams LT Alaric Jackson was also a suspension candidate, but is expected to play in Week 1, per McVay. His presence positively impacts the Rams’ passing game outlook. Assuming he is active, Nacua can be treated as an elite WR1.

Nacua has had a civil lawsuit filed against him for biting a woman and making an “unprovoked antisemtic sentiment.” The star receiver checked in to a luxury treatment center this past offseason. Schefter confirmed that the NFL is still discussing potential discipline for Nacua and Rams LT Alaric Jackson. This probably isn’t something to be overly concerned about in fantasy drafts — we suspect any suspension for Nacua would be short-term — but Schefter believes it’s possible that Nacua is suspended for the Rams opener against the 49ers.

Jackson has been dealing with this blood clot condition for the past year and Rams head coach Sean McVay said Jackson was absent Wednesday as he deals with the treatment for the condition. It doesn’t seem to be a major injury issue for now, but certainly one worth keeping an eye on. Jackson has also been dealing with off-the-field issues stemming this offseason but his practice absence seemed to be only related to his blood clot treatment.

Prosecutors told The Athletic that Jackson will not be facing criminal charges as a result of a domestic violence arrest in June. The 28-year-old was arrested on a felony domestic battery charge after police responded to a call to his home. However, charges are not being filed against him. Jackson has started 45 regular-season games for the Rams over the last three seasons and was also facing legal issues after he was sued in November 2025 by “a woman who accused him of recording sexual acts with her without her consent.” This case is headed for pre-filing diversion, which may constitute a violation of the league’s Personal Conduct Policy and still lead to a suspension, pending league review.

The charge against Jackson, 27, who has been with the Rams since entering the NFL in 2021, was for “a person who willfully inflicts corporal injury,” according to the LAPD. Jackson, who has played in 45 regular season games for the Rams over the past three seasons, has a history of off-the-field issues, including a 2024 suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Jackson last November was sued “by a woman who alleged he recorded her without her consent during sex, repeatedly refused to delete the video and taunted her with it,” according to ESPN. Jackson is one of several Rams players facing legal issues this offseason.

Jackson was diagnosed with blood clots in June, but has been trending toward being ready for Week 1. The fact that he was able to suit up for a Monday practice suggests he’s still trending in the right direction, and the team said the plan will be to start him in Week 1 against the Texans if all goes well this week. Jackson earned a PFF pass blocking grade of 79.5 last season, allowing just three sacks and 22 pressures on 502 dropbacks. If he is unable to start, D.J. Humphries looks like the most likely candidate to step up in Jackson’s absence.

Jackson has been a massive question mark for the Rams this offseason after developing blood clots in June but avoided the PUP and NFI lists last month. The most recent update indicates he could be ready for the start of the regular season, which would be a significant boost to the protection of reeling veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford has been dealing with back issues all offseason with the team recently stating the intent is to “keep him upright” in Week 1 against the Texans. Jackson could go a long way in accomplishing that goal. It’ll still be a “wait and see” approach with Jackson but he currently appears to be trending in the right direction.

Due to Stafford’s lengthy injury history, the Rams had already “planned to put Stafford on a modified workout plan in training camp before the back issue popped up.” On the plus side, it sounds as if the Rams were prepared to occasionally run the offense sans Stafford in training camp. Stafford is also reportedly on schedule, following a plan that had been previously agreed upon by the Rams, Stafford and spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins. Rodrigue does, however, note that the Rams’ starting left tackle Alaric Jackson (blood clots) and right guard Kevin Dotson (chest contusion) remain sidelined. Both Jackson’s and Dotson’s statuses are worth following. If Stafford’s Saturday workout goes well, he should resume practicing on Monday next week. Stay tuned.

“For now, Jackson will do individual drills with the athletic training staff and participate in jog-throughs, but not the physical OL activities,” per Rams.com’s Stu Jackson. While it’s a good sign that they haven’t placed him on either of the lists, it sure sounds like Jackson’s status is unknown going forward at this point. Until we get a report that he’s on the practice field going full-bore, he probably should not be counted on to start this year.

Rapoport notes that “the belief is (Jackson) will play in 2025,” but this is clearly something that will sideline him for some time. This news adds further context to the team’s decision to sign D.J. Humphries to a one-year deal earlier in the week, as he’ll presumably serve as Jackson’s replacement in the weeks/months ahead. Jackson also dealt with blood clots in 2022 and was placed on season-ending injured reserve as a result. Jackson signed a three-year, $57 million contract extension this offseason after turning in a strong 2024 season. We’ll likely know more about his injury before training camp, but an extended absence does not appear out of the question at this time.