Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay remains hopeful that wide receiver Puka Nacua can return in Week 3, but he does not yet know whether the star receiver will be ready to play against the Denver Broncos.
Nacua missed Monday night’s 28-6 win over the New York Giants after dealing with a hip injury. He developed soreness following Thursday’s practice and did not practice Friday or Saturday before ultimately being ruled inactive for the game.
“I’m not sure what his status is as far as this next coming week. I’m hopeful that he’ll play,” McVay said Tuesday, via Rams reporter Stu Jackson.
McVay explained that the Rams were willing to be cautious with Nacua because of the demands placed on skill-position players dealing with soft-tissue injuries.
“When you have soft tissue injuries with guys like that that are skill players, you’re going to err on the side of caution,” McVay said.
Nacua’s absence did not stop the Rams’ offense from producing against New York. Matthew Stafford threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns, while Davante Adams recorded eight receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
Nacua opened the season with five receptions for 74 yards on nine targets against the San Francisco 49ers. He finished 2025 with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
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The Rams will not need to rush him back after showing they can produce without him, but his return would give Stafford another established option alongside Adams.
Los Angeles will travel to Denver for Sunday night’s matchup. Nacua’s practice participation throughout the week should provide the next indication of whether he can return to the field.
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