NFL Training Camp Roundup: Why Puka Nacua and Josh Jacobs Could Start 2026 Season with Suspensions

The endless news cycle that is the NFL continued to turn on Tuesday afternoon, with on-field actions and off-field decisions highlighting yet another day of training camps.

Before we get into all of it, a reminder that Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks returned for episode two last night, and showed us not only reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba being compared to NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama, but also a peek behind the curtain at the team’s debate on signing free agent cornerback Terrion Arnold.

Anyway, here’s a look at what you may have missed around the NFL on a busy Tuesday.

Puka Nacua, Josh Jacobs could begin 2026 season with suspensions

Two of the NFL’s top offensive weapons may begin the 2026 season with a suspension.

As noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday, both Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and Packers running back Josh Jacobs are being reviewed by the NFL for a potential discipline.

“There are some things behind closed doors that we don’t have full access to, that are going to have a significant impact on this season depending on how these conversations go,” Schefter explained alongside co-host Ty Schmit on The Adam Schefter Podcast. “... Cases that I believe are now being reviewed include that of [Nacua], who could potentially face discipline for some of the offseason headlines that accompanied him, and some of those incidents last year with another woman—what did or didn’t occur—we’ll leave that to the NFL to figure out … But, it’s possible that when the [49ers] and Rams play in Australia, it’s within the realm of options that Puka doesn’t play in that game.”

Potential discipline looms over a group of NFL players, including Rams WR Puka Nacua and Packers RB Josh Jacobs.

Cc: @tyschmit

🎧 https://t.co/mTwS98lcWO pic.twitter.com/e5fW2ZoQwV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2026

“It’s also possible that the Green Bay Packers are going to lose Josh Jacobs,” Schefter continued. “That also still is under review and still a pending situation with the NFL.”

Nacua checked into a rehab facility in Malibu, Calif., earlier this year after an alleged incident marred his offseason. The 25-year-old was accused of making an antisemitic comment toward a woman, Madison Atiabi, on New Year’s Eve before biting her on the shoulder. Atiabi filed a civil lawsuit that cited gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence.

Jacobs, meanwhile, was arrested in late May on five charges that stemmed from an incident in Wisconsin. The charges were dropped the next day, and the running back was released from custody.

Schefter also noted that Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. “is going to be” suspended, while Jonathan Cooper, Alaric Jackson and Tyreek Hill are all under review.

Kyler Murray named Vikings’ starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy

In some non-shocking NFL news, the Vikings announced on Tuesday that Kyler Murray has won their starting quarterback job over J.J. McCarthy.

“I’m really proud of how Kyler and J.J. went about their business,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “They’ve been great teammates, the quarterback room is an important place, and I think it’s been one of which there’s been a lot of high-level ball, great dialogue amongst all the players.”

O’Connell went on to say that he “absolutely” believes McCarthy still has a future with the organization.

Kevin O’Connell weighs in on J.J. McCarthy’s future with the Vikings

(via @Vikings) pic.twitter.com/8aplChwwW7
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 11, 2026

“To me, he’s still a guy that’s only played 10 games. He’s shown improvement off of last year. Even in this training camp, with the work he’s put in, and his comfort level just growing a little bit day in and day out. Still very excited to continue to get to work with him every single day, coach him. … He’s holding the pen on his story and we’re gonna support him and try to just help him continue to improve as a young player at the most difficult position in sports.”

Minnesota selected McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He’s since started just 10 games while battling various injuries, posting a 6–4 record while throwing 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and notching a passer rating of just 72.6.

Murray, meanwhile, was signed by the club this offseason following his release from the Cardinals. The 29-year-old was drafted with the No. 1 pick by Arizona in 2019, and has been selected to two Pro Bowls. Murray is a true dual-threat, throwing 121 career touchdowns while adding 32 more on the ground.

Sauce Gardner responds to A.J. Brown toasting him at Colts-Patriots joint practice

Brown, Gardner — A.J. Brown torched Sauce Gardner during a 1-on-1 drill. | Billie Weiss/Getty Images

The Patriots and Colts were among a handful of teams to participate in the first joint practices of the summer on Tuesday, and their session started out with a bang.

With Indianapolis’s Sauce Gardner lined up across from him, New England’s new No. 1 wide receiver target in A.J. Brown dusted the cornerback on a hitch-route before hauling in a pass from Drake Maye. The play drew massive applause from Patriots fans—and also went viral on social media.

Once practice ended, Gardner posted a response to the reactions fom the play on social media, though later deleted it. Fun times in Foxborough.

Speaking of joint practices, the Jets and Buccaneers’ session was highlighted by fights and an up-and-down showing from Geno Smith

Gemo Smith — Geno Smith threw a handful of interceptions at Jets practice on Tuesday. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame was boots-on-the-ground for the Jets and Buccaneers’ joint practice on Tuesday in Florham Park, N.J., and as he points out, the session was indicative that players are ready for the season to start.

“Throughout the two-hour practice in 85 degrees,” Verderame wrote, “New York and Tampa Bay traded both highlights and haymakers with no fewer than five fights breaking out. The most intense skirmish happened when the Buccaneers’ first-team offense and the Jets’ top-line defense squared off, with right tackle Luke Goedeke picking up a defender’s helmet and launching it at least 20–25 yards in the air (before impressively being caught by a Jets staffer).”

According to Verderame, Jets quarterback Geno Smith had an up-and-down showing, low-lighted by multiple interceptions but propelled by a handful of touchdown passes in the red zone to Mason Taylor and Garrett Wilson.

Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins has “no structural damage” after being carted off field with leg injury

Nate Wiggins was carted off the field at Ravens practice on Tuesday following a 1-on-1 rep vs. Ja’Kobi Lane. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Wiggins got his feet tangled up while defending the rookie wide receiver and fell to the ground hard. He reportedly couldn’t put any weight on his left leg. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has since reported that testing on Wiggins’ leg showed no structural damage.

Wiggins was a first-round pick of the Ravens in 2024 and has tallied 109 tackles, 27 pass deflections and four interceptions over his first two NFL seasons.

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