LOS ANGELES — Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was present and participating in the team’s first day of its offseason program on Monday.

Nacua has made headlines throughout the offseason for off-field incidents. He was sued by a woman for allegedly biting her during a night out and making derogatory comments about Jewish people. Then he entered a rehabilitation facility earlier this month to seek treatment, his attorney told news outlets.

These incidents have come as Nacua is eligible for a contract extension, one that could make him the highest paid receiver in the NFL based on his production in his first three seasons since being a fifth-round pick in 2023.

Speaking with reporters in Phoenix during league meetings last month, Rams decision makers indicated that these off-field incidents will weigh in on extension discussions with Nacua.

“We are hopeful that he’s a Ram for a really long time,” head coach Sean McVay said at the time. “But he understands what the responsibility is, not exclusive to just the production on the field.”

But amidst that backdrop, Nacua was present for team meetings and workouts on Monday as the team began its preparations for the 2026 season.

“That’s my brother. Love him to death. One of the greatest human beings I’ve ever got to work with,” safety and team captain Quentin Lake said. “At the end of the day, all we can do is just ride with him. That’s it. As a team, we love him to death. We know who he is. He’s a person and a football player, so just making sure we’re there to support him.”

Tight end Tyler Higbee has been working out with Nacua and former Ram Cooper Kupp this offseason on a daily basis, so he’s been a witness to how Nacua has navigated the situation and been there to offer support when needed.

“I’m not trying to play too much dad. I’m always there for him, try to talk to him and just, you know, help him understand just what it is,” Higbee said. “But he’s doing great. You know, he’s really, really doing good. … You can tell even just communicating with him, talking to him. He’s doing really good and he’s going to be ready to go.”

More Rams up for contract extensions

Nacua is not the only Ram up for a contract extension this offseason, with his fellow 2023 draft classmates Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Steve Avila and Warren McClendon also eligible entering the final years of their rookie contracts.

Turner said Monday that he is allowing his agent to handle the business side of things, but added, “I’ve really loved my time here. It’s a great organization and a great group of guys and so I would love to have that opportunity.”

Turner, who became a first-time father last month to a baby girl, said he is trying to keep his approach similar to his first three seasons, even with the prospect of a new contract lingering over the spring.

“There’s a great opportunity that’s presented before me to be able to take care of my family,” Turner said. “It can be kind of boring to say every year, but a continuation of exactly what’s got me here. Continuing to work hard and to be the hardest worker that I can be, to put my mental into the game and to continue to have that process that’s going to ultimately garner me the results that I want.”

Higbee’s ankle healing

On Monday, Higbee admitted that the high ankle sprain that landed him on injured reserve last season continued to be an issue even after he returned to game action.

The discomfort has continued to linger, but Higbee said he is noticing some improvement as the spring progresses.

“It’s incrementally, slowly getting better,” Higbee said. “Even getting back into training in the off-season, I’m like, ‘This thing’s still lingering,’ you know what I mean? But it has gotten better.”