Rams Wide Receiver Puka Nacua Out for Monday Night Football Tilt Against Giants
Nacua was unable to overcome a hip injury after attempting to test it during pregame warmups.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been ruled out for Monday night's game against the New York Giants after his injured hip prevented him from playing.
Nacua attempted to test the injury during pregame warmups at SoFi Stadium but was unable to get comfortable enough to participate. His absence leaves quarterback Matthew Stafford without a key offensive weapon as the Rams aim to rebound from a season-opening loss in which they scored only seven points.
The injury had cast a shadow over the Rams since Nacua was unexpectedly added to the injury report on Friday. While coach Sean McVay initially described the issue as groin soreness, the team officially listed it as a hip injury. Nacua had previously dealt with groin and psoas issues during the preseason, raising further concern.
Reports on Monday indicated that Nacua was trending toward not playing, a sentiment that proved accurate after his pregame evaluation.
With Nacua sidelined, and backup receiver Jordan Whittington also doubtful with a quadriceps injury, the Rams will look to other receivers such as Davante Adams, Konata Mumpfield, CJ Daniels, Xavier Smith, and Tutu Atwell. Tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen may also see increased targets.