The Rams trade for veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell has fascinating implications for the offense because of what it might mean for their star receiver.
Los Angeles is still awaiting whether Puka Nacua will be suspended this season because of his offseason transgressions. This verdict could arrive at any moment, and the expectation is that it will arrive sooner rather than later so that the Rams can prepare to play games without him.
This is why the Atwell trade speaks volumes: He spent his whole career in Rams coach Sean McVay’s offense before signing with the Dolphins in free agency this offseason. A brand-new receiver wouldn’t be able to memorize Los Angeles’ playbook between now and the Rams’ regular-season opener against the 49ers on Sept. 10.
The Rams reuniting with Atwell doesn’t necessarily guarantee that Nacua will be suspended; perhaps LA wanted to bring Atwell back because it liked having him around. But it would make a lot of sense as a potential insurance plan if Nacua’s suspension arrives.
if the Rams are expecting a suspension for Nacua, how long would it last?
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter specifically mentioned earlier this month that Nacua might not be available for the Rams’ regular-season opener. Schefter likely wouldn’t have said this publicly if he had not at least heard a one-game suspension could be the most likely outcome.
And past precedent also suggests a one- or two-game suspension might be the most likely outcome for Nacua.
In 2018, Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham was suspended for one game for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He was arrested on suspicion of battery/aggravated assault, completed a deferred prosecution program and then had the case closed.
This is arguably the most similar situation to Nacua’s among an active NFL player because there was an alleged physical incident, no prison sentence and a diversion-type resolution, which is another way of saying the issue was resolved before formal criminal charges were filed.
Every case is different, of course, and just because Bradham’s situation is similar to Nacua’s doesn’t mean the Rams star will also be suspended for one game.
Nacua might avoid suspension altogether if the league decides the available evidence doesn’t warrant a violation. Or Nacua could be suspended for several games if the NFL decides the physical nature of Nacua’s allegations — combined with the other offseason shenanigans — warrants a stiffer punishment.
Jameis Winston was suspended for three games in 2018 after the NFL concluded he touched an Uber driver in a sexual manner without consent. Winston wasn’t criminally charged, and there was no police report of the incident. But the NFL’s private investigation deemed a three-game suspension was valid and could do the same for Nacua.
Unfortunately, Rams fans can only wait and see whether Nacua might receive a suspension, and if so, for how many games it might be. If he misses some games, fans can expect Atwell to receive opportunities until he returns.
However, if the Rams thought Nacua might miss significant time with a suspension, perhaps they would have added a more impactful receiver than someone who caught six passes last season.
