The Los Angeles Rams are playing it super cautious with star wide receiver Puka Nacua, and it looks like his lower back injury is proving to be a real headache. After head coach Sean McVay initially hoped Nacua would be back to practice the “following week” last Thursday, the latest update has him possibly sidelined until *next* week. That’s a significant shift, and it tells you the Rams are taking zero chances here.
Soreness Is Lingering Longer Than Expected
It all started when Nacua left a joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys last Tuesday, feeling some discomfort. McVay quickly identified it as “a little soreness” in Nacua’s psoas, a muscle connecting the lower spine to the thigh bone. But now, the tune has changed a bit. McVay says Nacua “still has some soreness,” and they’re taking his recovery day by day. They’re not rushing him back onto that practice field, especially while he’s still feeling it. For a guy who’s so critical to their offense, that lingering pain is a huge concern for the Rams, even if it’s “just” soreness.
Why Los Angeles Can’t Afford a Misstep
Let’s be real, the Rams have every reason to be super careful with Nacua. This isn’t just some guy. Nacua is coming off an absolutely monster 2025 season, leading the entire NFL with 129 receptions and finishing second with 1,715 receiving yards. He snagged 10 touchdown catches and averaged 13.3 yards per reception. And if you needed any more proof of how dominant he can be, just remember what he did to our beloved Seahawks in Week 16, exploding for 12 catches, 225 yards, and two touchdowns! That was a brutal day at Lumen, and it proved exactly why he’s Matthew Stafford’s most important weapon.
Through just his first three NFL seasons, this former fifth-round pick has racked up an unbelievable 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns. You don’t get those numbers by accident. The Rams know he doesn’t need preseason reps badly enough to risk turning this soreness into something far worse. Their priority, according to McVay, is having him completely healthy when the games finally count. So, for now, it’s a waiting game for Nacua and the Rams. They’ll need him at 100% to live up to those huge expectations he set for himself.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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