Nacua is currently the subject of an ongoing legal matter stemming from a lawsuit filed in March by a woman in Los Angeles, who alleged that the receiver made an unprovoked antisemitic statement toward her and subsequently bit her on the shoulder. McVay confirmed in July that the organization is still gathering information and maintaining communication with the league regarding the situation.
Focus on roster depth and personnel
McVay explicitly stated that the decision to bring Atwell back to the franchise had nothing to do with Nacua’s legal situation. Instead, the head coach emphasized that the trade was purely a strategic move to bolster the team's receiving corps. The Rams acquired Atwell in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter, marking a return for the wideout who was originally drafted by the Rams in the second round in 2021.
Atwell spent his first five seasons in Los Angeles before signing a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins earlier this March. According to McVay, the primary motivation for the reunion is to integrate Atwell’s specific skill set into the current offensive rotation. The coach noted that Atwell provides a necessary speed element and versatility that will add valuable depth to the position group as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Quarterback rotation remains fluid
In addition to addressing the receiver room, McVay provided an update on the team's quarterback situation. The head coach has yet to name a primary backup to starter Matthew Stafford, with both Stetson Bennett and rookie Ty Simpson remaining in contention for the role. While Simpson started the preseason finale against the Chargers—completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown—McVay cautioned against over-analyzing the distribution of snaps.
McVay expressed confidence in both players, stating that the organization feels positive about the development of both Bennett and Simpson. While he has not yet committed to a definitive depth chart, he confirmed earlier in the week that the Rams intend to keep all three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster. McVay reiterated that he is not currently pigeonholing himself into a final decision, preferring to maintain flexibility as the team finalizes its squad.
