Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has maintained that Puka Nacua’s hip/groin injury isn’t a long-term issue, and that he could even suit up against the Philadelphia Eagles next week. However, McVay also admitted last week that Nacua hasn’t made “great progress” and that he’s unlikely to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Adam Schefter of ESPN echoed that sentiment about Nacua potentially playing against the Eagles, but he also issued a semi-concerning update. Schefter says that while the Rams don’t believe surgery is necessary, it’s “not entirely off the table if Nacua doesn’t show signs of improvement.”
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is doubtful for Sunday night’s game at Denver but could return as soon as next week against the
Eagles, has been dealing with mainly a groin injury that has impacted his explosiveness, per league sources. Functinally, Nacua can play, but he has not felt like he can play with the same explosiveness he has had in the past. The Rams still view it as a short-term injury and think he’ll be back sooner rather than later. The organization does not believe surgery in this situation will be needed, but it’s also not entirely off the table if Nacua doesn’t show signs of improvement. Still, nobody is thinking that will be the direction this situation goes, and Nacua could be back next week.
This hip injury popped up in practice before the Rams’ game against the Giants, causing him to miss the last five practices. McVay has attributed it to some groin soreness, though he says it’s not a hernia injury.
Nacua is doubtful to play tonight against the Broncos but as long as he makes some progress throughout the week leading up to next Sunday’s game in Philadelphia, the hope is that he’ll be available.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Surgery ‘not entirely off the table’ for Rams WR Puka Nacua
