The Los Angeles Rams are taking a measured approach with star wide receiver Puka Nacua as he deals with a hip injury, prioritizing his availability for the rest of the season over an immediate return.
Nacua sat out last week’s win over the New York Giants and is listed as doubtful for Sunday night’s game at Denver. He did not practice all week.
The injury occurred during the Rams’ season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Nacua finished that game with five catches for 74 yards before the issue worsened.
Coach Sean McVay has described the problem as groin soreness rather than a hernia. The team has said it is not a long-term concern.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday that the Rams are deliberately holding Nacua back.
“I’ve talked to somebody with the team who said they’re just trying to get ahead of this long term. They don’t want this to linger where he’s in and out,” Fowler said on “SportsCenter.” “It’s early in the season. They want to have him for the long haul, so they’re hoping he can get back here. He’s really considered week-to-week at this point.”
McVay indicated that if Nacua sits Sunday, he is expected to play next week against Philadelphia unless he suffers a setback.
The Rams improved to 1-1 without him. Davante Adams stepped up with eight receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants.
Tight end Terrance Ferguson also contributed six catches for 54 yards and a score in that game.
Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions last season. He added 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod.
Those numbers came after he missed time in previous years. The Rams have gone 3-4 in games he has sat out over the last three-plus seasons.
Los Angeles faces a stout Broncos defense on Sunday Night Football. Denver ranks among the league’s better units against the pass.
Adams and the tight ends will again be asked to carry more of the load if Nacua is unavailable.
The Rams drafted Nacua in the fifth round in 2023. He has developed into one of the league’s most productive receivers in a short time.
Team officials have stressed they want him healthy for a full campaign rather than risking a series of absences.
Nacua is in the final year of his rookie contract. A healthy stretch of games would strengthen his case for a long-term extension.
The Rams travel to Denver for the 5:20 p.m. PT kickoff.
