Puka Nacua, the electric Rams wide receiver, has the entire NFL holding its breath for Monday Night Football, officially listed as questionable for their Week 2 clash against the New York Giants. The uncertainty surrounding their top weapon comes as Los Angeles desperately hunts for its first win of the season after a brutal Week 1 blowout loss.
Nacua’s Status Is ‘Firmly Up In The Air’
Nacua’s status has been trending “the wrong way” since Friday, when he appeared on the injury report with a hip issue, missing practice. He also sat out Saturday’s session, leading NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport to report that his “status is very firmly up in the air.” Rapoport added that Nacua not practicing “doesn’t bode great for his availability.” Head coach Sean McVay clarified it’s “a little bit of soreness” in his groin, not the psoas injury that sidelined the two-time Pro Bowler before the season. On Sunday, ESPN had already reported Nacua was trending “the wrong way” to play, making it a pregame decision.
A Massive Hit To An Offense Already On The Ropes
This is a massive blow for a Rams offense that looked rough in their 27-7 thrashing by the San Francisco 49ers. Nacua, at just 25, is one of the league’s most dangerous wideouts. Last week, he pulled in five receptions for a team-high 74 yards. In 2025, he led the league in receptions with 129, was second in receiving yards with 1,715, and tied for third with 10 receiving touchdowns. The dude holds NFL records for rookie receiving yards and receptions in a game, and for career receiving yards per game! If he cannot go, the Rams will rely on Davante Adams, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, CJ Daniels, and Tutu Atwell, though Jordan Whittington is doubtful with a quadriceps injury.
Inactive reports hit at 6:45 p.m. ET, 90 minutes before kickoff. For a team that entered the season revered as one of the best in the league and Super Bowl favorites, an 0-2 start would be a gut punch. They need Nacua on the field to get that offense going and prove those early doubters wrong against the 1-0 Giants.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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