The Los Angeles Rams are getting one of the NFL’s best wide receivers back at exactly the right time.
Puka Nacua is officially ready to return for Sunday’s Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing the previous two games because of hip and groin issues.
Nacua was a limited participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday before taking another major step Friday. He practiced fully and carries no injury designation into Sunday’s game.
For a Rams team trying to bounce back from a 1-2 start, getting Nacua back alongside Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams could provide a significant boost.
And after spending the past two games watching from the sideline, Nacua sounds more than ready to get back to work.
Puka Nacua Cleared To Play Against Eagles
There had been growing optimism throughout the week that Nacua would return in Philadelphia. Rams coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that he expected his star receiver to play, but Nacua still needed to make it through the practice week without a setback.
Consider that box checked.
Nacua practiced all three days, finishing the week as a full participant Friday. He was left without a game designation on Los Angeles’ final injury report, clearing the way for his return.
The 25-year-old hasn’t played since catching five passes for 74 yards in the Rams’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. He missed the next two games against the New York Giants and Denver Broncos after dealing with discomfort in his hip and groin area.
Now he’s back.
Nacua Gives Matthew Stafford Another Huge Weapon
Nacua’s return could dramatically change the look of Los Angeles’ offense. He led the NFL with 129 receptions last season while piling up 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. That production made him an Offensive Player of the Year finalist and further established Nacua as one of the league’s premier receivers.
Now Stafford gets him back alongside Adams for a major NFC matchup. Nacua brings more than statistics to the Rams’ offense. His physical style, ability to create yards after the catch and willingness to make difficult catches give Los Angeles another way to attack Philadelphia’s defense.
The timing couldn’t be much better.
The Rams are coming off a 30-26 loss to Denver and are trying to avoid falling two games below .500.
There were questions earlier in the week about whether Nacua would be ready.
There aren’t anymore.
Puka Nacua is back, and the Rams are getting one of their biggest offensive weapons for Sunday’s showdown in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Rams Essentials
- 5 Best Rams Quarterbacks of All Time
- 5 Best Rams Running Backs of All Time
- 5 Best Rams Wide Receivers of All Time
- NFL’s Richest Owners: Where Does Stan Kroenke Rank?
