The Los Angeles Rams are in schedule for a big-time battle against the New York Giants on Week 2’s Monday Night Football. The NFL is all for blockbuster matches, but this one may not carry the same feel as Puka Nacua has been ruled out.
After missing team practices, Nacua was listed as questionable throughout the weekend and was considered a game-time decision due to a hip/groin injury. In fact, Nacua was spotted on the field going through his pregame routine before kickoff against the Giants, but something must’ve felt wrong because the Rams have now confirmed he is inactive in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.
“Rams WR Puka Nacua (hip) inactive tonight vs. Giants,” the NFL announced on the league’s official X account. According to various NFL analysts and insiders, including Adam Schefter of ESPN, Nacua was trending in the wrong direction in his injury-rehab. It’s official now, the Rams will be without arguably their best offensive and defensive players to face the Giants, as Myles Garrett isn’t playing for Los Angeles against New York, either.
Concerns over Nacua’s replacement
With Nacua unable to suit up against the Giants, there is big trouble. Nacua’s natural replacement would have been Jordan Whittington, however, the Rams have confirmed he will also be sidelined due to a quad injury. Rookie WR out of Miami, C.J. Daniels, is inactive, too.
Week 2 Inactives vs NYG:
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 21, 2026
WR Puka Nacua
S Kam Kinchens
WR CJ Daniels Jr.
WR Jordan Whittington
OL Bill Murray
QB Ty Simpson (emergency 3rd QB) pic.twitter.com/iKptxUfT7F
Hence, it will be Davante Adams taking the full workload of a WR1. Tutu Atwell and Xavier Smith could step into the role of Nacua and leave Adams as the first progression. Regardless, it’s all less than ideal for Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ starting quarterback against the Giants, and company as the team vies to get back in the win column.
The Rams must look good in Week 2 vs NY Giants
After a lackluster Week 1 showing in Australia that ended with the team just scoring seven points, the Rams need to come back with a bang against the Giants in primetime hours.
The Giants come in hot after a primetime divisional win against the Cowboys. Now, they could look at a second primetime win if they’re able to pull up another upset. It’s a hugely important game for both teams.
Key takeaways
- Puka Nacua was ruled inactive for Monday Night Football due to a hip/groin injury.
- Los Angeles scored only seven points during their lackluster season-opening performance in Australia.
- Wide receiver Davante Adams is expected to take on the primary WR1 workload instead.
