Rams expect Nacua and Havenstein to return for Week 9 vs Saints

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that star receiver Puka Nacua and veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein are expected to return to practice Wednesday and play Sunday when the Rams host the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. The pair missed recent games with ankle injuries, and their returns come as the team emerges from a Week 8 bye.

Nacua injured his left ankle in the Rams’ Oct. 12 win at Baltimore and did not play in the Oct. 19 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Through six games this season he had 54 receptions for 616 yards and two receiving touchdowns, ranking among the league leaders in receptions and receiving yards before the injury. McVay said the team expects Nacua to be ready to practice and “able to play this week unless there’s setbacks.” He added the coaching staff will monitor workload and carefully manage the receiver’s recovery during the 17-game season.

Havenstein, a long-time starter at right tackle, has been sidelined since the Rams’ Week 4 win over the Indianapolis Colts. His absence opened the door for rookie Warren McClendon Jr., who started in his place and helped protect quarterback Matthew Stafford during the team’s recent games....