The Rams are preparing as if they may have to go another week without Puka Nacua.
Nacua did not practice on Friday and has been listed as doubtful for Sunday night’s game against the Denver Broncos. He has not been ruled out completely, but the signs point toward another missed game for the wide receiver.
If he sits, the Rams appear to be aiming for a return in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. That matchup is a conference game, and Sean McVay said Friday there has been no thought of placing Nacua on injured reserve because of the hip issue.
Los Angeles already played without Nacua last week and still beat the New York Giants. In that game, Davante Adams and Terrance Ferguson carried more of the load. Adams finished with eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns, while Ferguson added six receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.
That duo would again be asked to pick up the slack if Nacua can’t go against Denver. The Rams proved they can function without him, but repeating that against a Broncos defense led by cornerback Patrick Surtain is a much tougher assignment. Adams and Surtain have seen plenty of each other before, back when Adams was in the AFC West with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Nacua’s issue first surfaced early last week in practice. He had also dealt with a psoas injury late in training camp, and although he played in Week 1, another problem popped up during the lead-up to the Giants game. McVay said the two injuries were not related.
The Rams have made it clear they’re taking the cautious route, especially with a soft tissue injury. It may not become a long-term concern, but losing Nacua for two games this early still matters.
For now, the Rams seem focused on keeping this from becoming something bigger. If that means waiting until next week against the Eagles, they appear willing to live with another September absence.
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Rams Suddenly Have A Puka Nacua Problem Heading Into Week 3
Puka Nacuas status has become a real storyline for the Rams heading into Week 3, even if Sean McVay is trying to keep the concern in perspective. The head coach said Nacua is dealing with a minor injury and may not be available this week, but he also framed it as something that should not linger, which at least gives Los Angeles some reason to stay calm for now.
Still, any uncertainty around Nacua lands differently for a Rams offense that has leaned on his presence as a central part of its identity. McVay did not paint this as a long-term issue, but the fact that availability is in question at all is enough to put a spotlight on the next few days of practice and the way the team manages its passing game if Nacua is limited or held out. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Suddenly Have A Broncos Decision Fans Will Want To Watch
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Rams May Lose The Offensive Fix Sean McVay Just Found
The Rams found a useful wrinkle in their Week 2 win over the Giants, leaning more heavily on 13 personnel after Puka Nacua was out of the lineup. It gave Sean McVay another way to steady the offense and keep the structure of the passing game intact, with the tight end room helping bridge the gap as the receivers shuffled around the game plan.
Now the follow-up is whether that solution holds up for Week 3 against the Broncos. Colby Parkinson has missed practice this week because of a knee injury, leaving his status uncertain, while Terrance Ferguson was a full participant Thursday and is expected to play. If Parkinson cannot go, the Rams could be forced to keep adjusting on the fly just as they try to preserve the rhythm they found last Sunday. [Read more 🡒]