Puka Nacua might miss Week 3 for the Los Angeles Rams, and if you are trying to figure out what is really going on with this guy, you are not alone. Coach Sean McVay keeps telling us this injury is not a “long-term threat,” but after playing Week 1, missing Week 2, and now potentially sitting out Week 3, an NFL insider is already “surprised” if Nacua even suits up this Sunday. This whole situation is something we need to monitor.
The Groin Grime
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Nacua was reportedly hurt throughout the offseason. The initial injury report listed it as a hip issue, but McVay later clarified it is “a little bit of soreness” in his groin. Good news, it is not a hernia. But it is described as something that can feel “almost like pre-hernia,” especially for a skill player trying to hit high-speed yards. McVay says they are being cautious, and that “time is the best thing that allows that thing to heal.”
He played Week 1, which is great, but then missed Monday night’s game for Week 2, and now Week 3 is looking rough. NFL insider Ian Rapoport dropped a bombshell, saying he would be “surprised” if Nacua plays. The guy has not been practicing, he did not play, and he is still not practicing. Rapoport says it does not sound like he is making great progress. What is really frustrating for fans is that this thing has been “nagging the player for at least a month.” McVay can say it is not long-term all he wants, but when a guy is out for this long with something that feels like “pre-hernia,” you have to wonder.
Big Money, Big Problems
Here is the kicker: this injury is “likely hurting his shot at the big extension with L.A. that he is looking for.” Think about that. Every missed game, every cautious step, could be chipping away at his future earning potential. That is a massive stake for a player looking to cash in.
On the team side, the Rams are sitting at 1-1, which is definitely better than 0-2. But let’s be real, they have got some problems. Losing a playmaker like Nacua for any extended period creates a huge void. Yeah, the focus was on Aaron Donald’s return in Week 2, and cornerback Trent McDuffie actually delivered the best performance of any NFL defender that week after coming over from the Chiefs, but that does not fix your offense. Plus, they are also waiting to see if Myles Garrett can make his return by Week 5. They are piecing things together, but they need their stars.
So, what is next? Nobody really knows when Nacua will suit up again. McVay is being cautious, the insider is doubtful, and Nacua’s wallet might be feeling the pinch. With 15 games left in the season, the Rams need their playmakers healthy, and this Nacua situation, and his potential massive contract, are huge questions hanging over the team right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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