Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and defensive end Myles Garrett returned to the field Tuesday, marking a significant step toward rejoining team practices. Both players, sidelined with injuries, participated in individual drills off to the side with coaching staff, though neither engaged in full team practice.
Nacua is currently managing a psoas injury, while Garrett is dealing with a knee issue. Garrett was seen wearing shoulder pads during his workout, while Nacua did not. Head coach Sean McVay described both players as day-to-day and indicated they would likely sit out the remainder of the current week. The team is prioritizing a cautious approach, especially with soft-tissue injuries, to ensure the key players are healthy for the regular season.
"Anytime you're talking about a soft tissue, especially with a skilled player… we're going to err on the side of caution, while not minimizing how important it is to get those guys out there," McVay stated.
In other injury news, offensive lineman Justin Dedich, who has been sidelined since the start of training camp with a broken hand, also worked individually. McVay suggested Dedich might return to practice with a cast, pending his hand's recovery over the next week. Tight end Davis Allen is nearing recovery from a quad injury and could return to practice as soon as next week, potentially being available for Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Rams also made a roster move at the wide receiver position, signing Alex Bachman for a second stint with the team and waiving/injuring Mario Williams. Bachman, originally signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2019, is expected to contribute on special teams and as a returner.
The team will have a day off before holding a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.