Puka Nacua is officially a game-time decision for the Los Angeles Rams’ Week 2 clash against the New York Giants, a brutal development after their surprising 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week. The Rams need to get a win, and losing one of their top weapons would make that task even tougher.
Nacua’s Week of Uncertainty Raises Red Flags
This isn’t just a minor bump. ESPN reports Nacua is dealing with both hip and groin injuries. He actually got on the practice field Thursday, which was a good sign after his modest Week 1 outing where he nabbed five passes for 74 yards. But then, he completely missed practice Friday, with Head Coach Sean McVay admitting Nacua “didn’t feel totally like himself” the day before. The team first listed him with a hip issue, then Saturday, McVay added “a little bit of soreness” to his groin. Missing both Friday and Saturday practices? That screams concern, especially when he was coming off a Thursday night game, giving him a full 10 days to rest up for Week 2. Yet, here we are, with McVay calling it a “true game-time decision.”
Who Steps Up If the All-Pro Is Out?
Losing Nacua is massive. This guy was a first-team All-Pro last season, racking up an insane 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s one of the best receivers in football when healthy, even if he’s battled minor injuries since being drafted in 2023, like missing five games in 2024 with a knee issue and another game last season for an ankle problem. Usually, he plays through it, but this sounds different. If he can’t go, veteran Davante Adams would step in as the de-facto No. 1 option. Jordan Whittingham and Tutu Atwell would also see increased snaps, and tight end Terrance Ferguson could get more looks in the passing game. The Rams absolutely cannot afford to start the year 0-2 as Super Bowl favorites. The pressure is on, and all eyes will be on that game-time decision.
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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