Puka Nacua Week 3 Status
Los Angeles Rams Exercise Caution Regarding Puka Nacua Ahead Of Week 3
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Key Points
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Nacua said before the Giants game that he “didn’t feel totally like himself” and ultimately withdrew after being listed as a game-time decision.
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Nacua had dealt with groin and psoas problems around the same lower-back, core and hip area earlier in the offseason, although McVay said those preseason issues were unrelated to his current injury.
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Nacua was not the only Rams player listed as a non-participant on the initial injury report: safety Kamren Kinchens, receiver Jordan Whittington and tight end Colby Parkinson were also listed as would-be non-participants in a normal practice.
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The Rams planned to resume a more typical practice schedule Thursday, which was expected to provide a clearer indication of players’ availability for Sunday.
Puka Nacua's status for the Rams' Week 3 game against Denver remains uncertain after the star receiver sat out the team's 28-6 win over the Giants and missed Wednesday's practice. Coach Sean McVay said Nacua was "not making great progress" with a hip and groin injury, and the team would prioritize a full recovery over rushing him back. NFL Network reported McVay believes Nacua is unlikely to play Sunday.
McVay denied Nacua has a hernia and said the injury is not a long-term threat, but the team will use time and further testing to clear him. Davante Adams stepped up in Nacua's absence, catching 8 passes for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Giants. The Rams will resume normal practice Thursday, which should provide a clearer picture of Nacua's Week 3 availability.
Nacua's Injury Setback Echoes Preseason Concerns
Nacua told reporters before the Giants game that he "didn't feel totally like himself" and couldn't reach top speed. He was listed as a game-time decision but ultimately withdrew before kickoff. Island Packet reported McVay said the current hip and groin strain differs from Nacua's psoas injury during preseason drills in August, though both involve his lower core and hip area.
The receiver had missed back-to-back practices Friday and Saturday before sitting out the Giants game Monday. Nacua was a first-team All-Pro in 2025 after leading the NFL with 129 receptions and 1,715 yards, raising questions about durability as soft-tissue issues resurface early in the new season.
Davante Adams Thrives Without Nacua in Lineup
With Nacua sidelined, Davante Adams dominated against the Giants on 10 targets. He caught 8 passes for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns—an average of 19.5 yards per reception. Tri-City Herald noted this performance shows the Rams still possess elite receiving weapons beyond Nacua.
Matthew Stafford threw for 327 yards in Week 2. The Rams may continue relying on tight-end packages and Adams' deep-route ability if Nacua cannot go Sunday. Colby Parkinson, Jordan Whittington, and Kamren Kinchens were also listed as non-participants Wednesday, adding depth concerns across the offense.
McVay's Cautious Approach Prioritizes Long-Term Health
Sean McVay emphasized the Rams will not rush Nacua back for a non-conference game in September. "Usually time is the best thing that allows that thing to heal," McVay told ESPN, signaling patience over pressure to activate the receiver early. The coach said he has confidence in backup receivers if Nacua sits.
Wenatchee World reported the Rams plan to resume a typical practice schedule Thursday, which will reveal whether Nacua can participate and test his readiness for Denver. A full practice week typically provides the clearest sign of a player's availability for Sunday's contest. If Nacua plays, analysts expect a limited snap count under 70% route participation.
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