Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua faces an uncertain status for Week 3 ahead of a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Denver Broncos, as the team monitors a groin injury that kept him out of Monday night’s victory over the New York Giants, according to head coach Sean McVay.
Sean McVay Addresses Puka Nacua Injury Status Ahead of Week 3
Nacua missed the team’s 28-6 victory against the New York Giants on Monday night due to a groin issue, casting doubt on whether he can suit up on short rest for a road game in Denver.
“I’m not sure what his status is as far as this next coming week,” Rams coach Sean McVay said Tuesday, according to comments reported by Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times and detailed by Broncos Wire. “I’m hopeful that he’ll play…. If he’s ready to go, great. If not, then we’ll continue to roll.”
Nacua opened his campaign with five receptions for 74 yards in the Rams’ season opener. That production follows a breakout sophomore campaign where he hauled in 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Offensive Adjustments and Matchup Implications in Denver
If Nacua remains sidelined for the Week 3 clash at Empower Field at Mile High, the Rams will lean heavily on depth that proved effective on Monday night. With Nacua inactive against the Giants, veteran wide receiver Davante Adams stepped into the primary role, catching eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
For the upcoming Sunday night contest, Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain is expected to match up against Adams if the latter maintains his heavy workload. Should Nacua manage to clear his injury hurdles and return to the lineup, he would likely draw defensive attention from either Riley Moss or Ja’Quan McMillian, as outlined by Broncos Wire.
Roster Shifts on the Defensive Front
The Rams’ injury report extends beyond the offensive skill positions as they prepare for the altitude in Denver. Los Angeles will be without star defensive lineman Myles Garrett, who landed on injured reserve following knee surgery.
Conversely, the defensive front received a major boost with the return of Aaron Donald. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year ended his retirement and made his 2026 season debut on Monday, logging three tackles across 33 snaps against the Giants.
The Rams will continue to evaluate Nacua’s participation during practice sessions leading up to Sunday’s kickoff.
Worth a look
