newsweek
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is likely to miss his second consecutive primetime game, as head coach Sean McVay informed reporters on Friday that the second-year pro is doubtful for the Week 3 Sunday Night Football clash with the Denver Broncos, according to ESPN's Ian Rapoport.
Nacua sat out the Rams' Week 2 Monday night victory over the New York Giants due to what the team officially listed as a hip injury, though McVay clarified that the issue is more specifically a groin problem.
Despite the doubt for Sunday, McVay indicated that the injury is not expected to sideline Nacua long-term. Barring any setbacks, the receiver should be ready to return for the Rams' Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, October 4. The team is not even contemplating placing him on injured reserve.
"If he doesn't go this week, the expectations are, unless there's a setback, that he'll be good for next week," McVay said.
In Nacua's absence on Monday night, the Rams' offense hardly skipped a beat. Veteran receiver Davante Adams erupted for 195 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches, powering Los Angeles to a 28-6 win.
With Nacua likely out again, quarterback Matthew Stafford will need to continue spreading the ball around. Second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson emerged as Stafford's second-most targeted option against the Giants, hauling in six passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. He is expected to see heavy usage once more on Sunday night.
Other tight ends, including Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Tyler Higbee, must also step up so the Rams don't have to rely solely on stars like Nacua and Adams.
Key Analysis
Nacua's absence provides an opportunity for the Rams to build depth and become a more well-rounded team. It could also help them rebound from last season's NFC Championship loss to the eventual Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks.
Originally reported by newsweek.