Rams deny WR trade linked to possible Puka Nacua suspension

The Los Angeles Rams’ reunion with Tutu Atwell carried an obvious implication: Was the team preparing to be without Puka Nacua?Sean McVay insists the timing was coincidental.The Rams reacquired Atwell, their second-round pick in 2021, from the Miami Dolphins for running back Jarquez Hunter on Thursday amid questions about a potential Nacua suspension stemming from multiple off-field incidents.“It had nothing to do with that,” McVay said after the Rams’ preseason finale.“We’re familiar with Tutu.

He adds depth.It gives us an opportunity to be able to have that speed element, and he can do some different things.”McVay’s denial explains the Rams’ stated reason for the trade, but it does not resolve the uncertainty surrounding Nacua.A woman sued Nacua in March, alleging he made an antisemitic statement and later bit her.

Nacua’s attorney disputed her account and characterized the allegations as an attempted financial shakedown.McVay said in July that the Rams were gathering information and communicating with the NFL.ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that league discipline, potentially including a Week 1 absence, remained possible.Atwell would give Los Angeles experienced depth if Nacua misses time, but he is not a direct replacement.

Nacua is an all-around centerpiece; Atwell has primarily been a situational speed threat and kick returner.The 5-foot-9 receiver has never commanded more than a 13 percent target share.His best season came in 2024, when he caught 42 passes for 562 yards and averaged 2.18 yards per route run.

His role collapsed last season to 15 targets, six catches and 192 yards as the Rams moved away from three-receiver formations.Los Angeles used 13 personnel—one running back, three tight ends and one receiver—on 30.5 percent of its plays.That approach created matchup problems but reduced the available snaps for a complementary wideout such as Atwell.Even if his return has nothing to do with Nacua, it raises a separate que...