Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay indicated that key players Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett are expected to return to practice next week. Nacua has been sidelined with psoas soreness, while Garrett is dealing with knee swelling.
Both players remain day-to-day, and their absences are considered precautionary, according to senior sports reporter Michael Duarte, who is reporting from the Rams’ practice facility. Neither injury is viewed as serious.
Nacua has not practiced since leaving a joint session with the Dallas Cowboys last week. McVay clarified that his discomfort stemmed from his psoas, a deep core muscle that aids in hip movement. Garrett, a recent acquisition, was reported to be at around 85 percent health prior to his knee swelling, giving the team no reason to rush his return during preseason.
Neither Nacua nor Garrett were slated to play in Saturday’s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, as McVay traditionally keeps established starters out of exhibition matches.
Rookies Facing Longer Absences
In contrast to the optimistic outlook for Nacua and Garrett, rookie offensive lineman Keagen Trost and wide receiver Mario Williams are both expected to miss several weeks due to hamstring injuries sustained in the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Trost's injury is particularly concerning given the existing uncertainty at the tackle position. The Rams' third-round pick began at right tackle against the Chiefs before exiting in the first quarter. He was seen as an important depth option behind Warren McClendon Jr., who is preparing for his first season as a full-time starter, and Alaric Jackson, who may face a suspension related to a domestic violence allegation made earlier this summer.
With the Rams scheduled to travel to Australia for their Sept. 10 season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, a multi-week absence for Trost leaves limited time for him to reintegrate before Week 1.
