Rams' Puka Nacua doubtful to play Sunday night vs. Broncos

Sean McVay said Wednesday that the Los Angeles Rams would err on the side of caution with Puka Nacua’s health.

That cautious approach has equated to Nacua drawing a doubtful designation for the Rams’ Week 3 Sunday night tilt against the host Denver Broncos.

A non-participant in practice through the week, Nacua is slated to miss his second straight game dealing with what’s been listed as a hip injury, but McVay characterized as a groin issue. The Rams coach said earlier in the week the ailment is not a long-term concern, and on Friday, the Rams coach told reporters that barring a setback, Nacua should be able to play in L.A.'s Week 4 game against the Eagles. 

One of the game’s preeminent wide receivers, Nacua was sidelined for six games in 2024 and one in 2025.

In the Rams’ 27-7 season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, Nacua was Los Angeles’ leading receiver with five receptions for 74 yards. In the two-time Pro Bowler's absence during L.A.’s 28-6 victory over the New York Giants, Davante Adams exploded for 195 yards and a pair of touchdowns on eight catches.

Expecting Adams to have back-to-back blockbusters, especially against a staunch Broncos defense, is likely foolhardy. If Nacua is to miss Sunday, bigger contributions will be needed from fellow receivers Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield and Tutu Atwell. It's a rather shallow Rams WR corps in which Adams and Nacua are the only wideouts with more than one catch through two games. More likely is quarterback Matthew Stafford relying on his bevy of tight ends, such as Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee.

Los Angeles is 3-4 in three-plus seasons when Nacua doesn’t play.

The Rams kick off against the Broncos on Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. ET.