Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is listed as questionable for the team’s upcoming Monday night matchup against the New York Giants due to a groin injury, according to coach Sean McVay as reported by the Associated Press.
Puka Nacua Groin Injury Status and Practice Absence
Nacua missed practice for the second day, sitting out Saturday’s session with an issue that is not related to the core muscle injury he sustained during an August joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, according to coach Sean McVay via the Associated Press. McVay noted that the problem surfaced during the team’s game-week preparation.
“This is a different thing,” McVay stated, according to the Associated Press. “Had a really good practice, I guess it was our (game week) Wednesday, but it was Thursday. Felt good, but didn’t feel totally like himself, his ability to be able to kind of open up and really hit full speed. He had some soreness in there, and so that’s why we’ve kind of been smart with him the last couple days.”
The fourth-year standout opened the season with five receptions for 74 yards during a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, following a campaign where he recorded career highs of 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, as documented by the Associated Press.
Rams Receiver Depth and Supporting Options
The Rams face additional depth challenges at the position because Nacua’s backup, Jordan Whittington, is listed as doubtful due to a quadriceps injury, according to the Associated Press. This leaves the 0-1 Rams potentially thin at the specific wideout spot relied upon for blocking in the run game.
In the event that both Nacua and Whittington cannot play, smaller speedsters Xavier Smith and Tutu Atwell are next in line for offensive snaps within McVay’s system, as reported by the Associated Press.
Aaron Donald Return Confirmed for Monday Night
While the offense navigates injuries, the defense receives a boost with the return of three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, who ended his retirement last month, according to the Associated Press. Donald stated on Friday that he plans to play against the 1-0 Giants after spending the past two seasons out of football.
“He said it, he’s going,” McVay said, according to the Associated Press. “Whatever Aaron says, I support.”
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