Puka Nacua missed the L.A. Rams’ Week 2 win over the New York Giants and is expected to be held out again on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, but Sean McVay believes that the star receiver will return in Week 4. Nacua is going to be listed as doubtful for the Broncos game, an injury designation that typically results in a 94-99% chance of being ruled out. However, McVay sees a path towards Nacua returning from a hip injury in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
McVay shared other injury updates on Friday. also including Kamren Kinchens, who is nursing a hamstring strain that also kept him from playing against the Giants. Kinchens will be listed as doubtful. There was no mention of a timeline for Kinchens’ return.
In positive news, Jordan Whittington came off the injury list and is the logical choice to take over as a starting receiver alongside Davante Adams, a job he did admirably for two games in 2024 when the Rams were down both Cooper Kupp and Nacua in games against Chicago and Green Bay. Whittington caught 13 of 18 targets over those two games for 151 yards.
It should be noted that Tutu Atwell also rose to the occasion in those two games, taking on a far heavier load. Atwell could be one to watch as well.
This game could also serve as a coming-out party for Terrance Ferguson, the Rams’ highly touted second-year TE. With Colby Parkinson ‘questionable’, Ferguson could be asked to take over as TE1. McVay mentioned Parkinson was “trending in the right direction”, but it remains to be seen if he will take the field come game time. Ferguson was targeted nine times against New York, catching six passes for 54 yards.
Against the strong Denver secondary anchored by Patrick Surtain, the Rams need strong performances from whoever Matthew Stafford throws to, with or without Nacua.
