Puka Nacua Update: When Will Rams WR Return?

Puka Nacua’s injury status vs. the Denver Broncos brings new uncertainty for the Los Angeles Rams, despite optimism about a Week 4 return.

by Ayomide Adeduyite

Sep 27, 2026

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12)

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for another game without Puka Nacua as they face the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football.

Nacua has not practiced since developing a hip and groin issue before the Rams’ Week 2 matchup with the New York Giants. He was ultimately inactive for that 28-6 victory and was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game in Denver before the team ruled him out.

The Rams have remained cautious with the two-time Pro Bowl receiver, but the latest update provides more detail about his recovery and what could happen if the injury does not improve.

Puka Nacua Could Return in Week 4

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12).

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Nacua will miss his second straight game against the Broncos, but the Rams have not ruled out a Week 4 return against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Head coach Sean McVay told reporters Friday that Nacua could be ready to play next week if he avoids a setback.

The encouraging part for Los Angeles is that the injury is still viewed as a short-term issue. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that surgery has not been taken entirely off the table. The groin injury has affected Nacua’s explosiveness, which has contributed to the team taking a cautious approach rather than rushing him back.

How the Rams Have Handled Puka Nacua’s Absence

Nacua opened the season with five catches for 74 yards on nine targets against the San Francisco 49ers, leading the Rams in receiving during their 27-7 loss. He then missed the Giants game after being unable to practice because of the hip/groin issue.

Los Angeles managed without him against New York, with Davante Adams producing eight receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns in Matthew Stafford’s four-touchdown performance. Stafford finished that game with 327 passing yards as the Rams improved to 1-1.

Adams will again have to carry a significant portion of the receiving workload on Sunday. The Rams also have tight ends Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee available to help Stafford move the ball against Denver.