After entering a rehabilitation facility last month, Rams All-Pro receiver Puka Nacua’s availability for the start of the team’s voluntary offseason workout program appeared to be in doubt.
But on Monday, Nacua was present along with quarterback Matthew Stafford, star receiver Davante Adams, new cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson and other returning players for the start of a process the Rams aim to end with a Super Bowl run.
Nacua was not among players the team made available to speak with reporters at the outset of the Rams’ program, which includes three phases and ends in June.
Safety Quentin Lake and defensive lineman Kobie Turner, team captains, said Rams players were rallying around Nacua.
“That’s my brother,” Lake said. “As a team we love him to death. We know who he is as a person, a football player, so just making sure we’re there to support him.”
Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee, 33, said he has been training with the 24-year-old Nacua.
“I’m not trying to play too much Dad,” Higbee said. “I’m always there for him, try to talk to him and just help him understand what it is. … He’s doing really good, and he’s going to be ready to go.”
Coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead are expected to address Nacua’s situation Tuesday during a news conference as a lead-in to the NFL draft, which begins Thursday in Pittsburgh.
The Rams, who have the No. 13 pick in the draft, are regarded as a favorite to play in Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in February.
But they will need Nacua to make the run.
Nacua was involved in a string of off-the-field incidents the last few months, including an alleged biting incident that led to a civil lawsuit. In March, he began a rehabilitation program in Malibu.
Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions last season. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he is eligible for an extension that could equal or surpass the deal Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently signed that includes $120 million in guarantees.
This story originally appeared on LA Times
