Rams Take Cautious Approach With Nacua as Status Remains Unclear

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said receiver Puka Nacua is being handled cautiously as he recovers from hip and groin-area soft-tissue discomfort, but the team does not expect the issue to become a long-term setback. Nacua’s availability for the Rams’ Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos remains uncertain. McVay said Nacua does not have a hernia. He described the discomfort as similar to what can feel like a pre-hernia issue for a player making explosive movements, and said the team believes time is the best way to let it heal. The coach said he wanted Nacua to return to full performance rather than play through the problem. The Rams’ Wednesday practice report listed Nacua as a nonparticipant, and McVay said he would not practice that day. He said the team would assess whether Nacua could practice Thursday, while another account described him as limited during a Wednesday walkthrough. The available reports therefore differ on his participation in that session. McVay also said he did not know whether Nacua would play against Denver and that the Rams were not counting on his availability.