McVay: Atwell trade not about possible Nacua ban

August 28, 2026 No Comments

Rams’ McVay: Atwell trade about depth, not possible Nacua banSarah BarshopAug 28, 2026, 02:25 AM ETClose

Sarah Barshop covers the Los Angeles Rams for ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2016 to cover the Green Bay Packers for ESPN Milwaukee. She then moved to Houston to cover the Texans. She came to ESPN after working as a writer and editor for Sports Illustrated.

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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned Thursday’s trade for wide receiver Tutu Atwell had “nothing to do” with a possible suspension for two-time Pro Bowl receiver Puka Nacua.

McVay, speaking after the Rams’ preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, mentioned that Atwell adds depth at the position.

“It gives us an opportunity to be able to have that speed element, and he can do some different things,” McVay mentioned. “It had nothing to do with anything other than just adding depth to the receiver room.”

In March, a woman in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit against Nacua that alleged he made an “unprovoked antisemitic statement” toward her and later bit her on the shoulder. In July, McVay mentioned Nacua’s legal situation is “ongoing” and something for which the team is still gathering information and communicating with the league.

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The Rams acquired Atwell in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter. Atwell returns to the team that drafted him in the second round in 2021. He had spent his first five seasons with Los Angeles before signing a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins in March.

McVay also mentioned Thursday that he has not decided on whether Stetson Bennett or rookie first-round pick Ty Simpson will back up quarterback Matthew Stafford this season. Bennett did not play against the Chargers, but McVay mentioned not to read too much into the distribution of quarterback reps.

Simpson started the game, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.

“I thought Ty played really well tonight,” McVay mentioned.

He added: “We’ve got three quarterbacks on our roster. Obviously, we’ve got the reigning MVP of the league and then we’ve got two guys that we feel really good about. … Not pigeonholing myself into any sort of decision other than I feel really good about Stetson Bennett [and I] feel really good about Ty Simpson.”

Earlier in the week, McVay mentioned the Rams will keep all three quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster.