Rams Wide Receiver Puka Nacua Doubtful for Broncos Game with Hip Injury
The star receiver's status remains uncertain for Sunday Night Football as he continues to deal with a lingering hip issue.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been listed as doubtful for Sunday night's game against the Denver Broncos due to a hip injury that has kept him out of practice. The injury first flared up last Thursday, causing him to miss the Rams' 28-6 victory over the New York Giants on Monday night.
Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed pessimism regarding Nacua's availability for the upcoming matchup, stating it is "more unlikely than likely" that he will play. Despite the uncertainty, the team does not anticipate Nacua landing on injured reserve, and he could potentially return in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles if there are no setbacks.
Nacua's absence puts additional pressure on the Rams' receiving corps. His primary backup, Jordan Whittington, is also nursing a quadriceps injury and was limited in practice on Thursday. This situation places more responsibility on receivers like Tutu Atwell and the team's tight end unit, which includes Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen, to provide targets for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Broncos boast a strong defense, featuring All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who is expected to shadow Rams star receiver Davante Adams. This presents a significant challenge for the Rams' offense, particularly without Nacua. The Rams and Broncos are scheduled to kick off at 5:20 PM PST on Sunday, with the game broadcast on NBC.