Nacua did not practice Saturday for the second consecutive day, creating another concern for a Rams offense that could badly use him after a disappointing season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver was able to practice Thursday, but something changed afterward.

Head coach Sean McVay explained that Nacua experienced some soreness in his groin after Thursday’s practice. McVay said the current issue is separate from the psoas injury that forced Nacua to miss time during training camp, but the Rams are being cautious with one of their most important offensive players.

Will Puka Nacua play for Rams vs NY Giants?

Sean McVay said Puka Nacua felt good during Thursday’s practice but did not feel completely like himself when trying to open up and reach full speed. That prompted the Rams to take a cautious approach, with Nacua sitting out both Friday and Saturday’s practices.

The Rams coach has not ruled Nacua out for Monday night, meaning the star receiver’s status could ultimately be decided shortly before kickoff. McVay specifically said whether Nacua plays remains to be determined, making him a likely pregame decision for the Giants matchup.

Nacua’s availability would be particularly important for Matthew Stafford and the Rams after he led Los Angeles with five catches for 74 yards in the season-opening 27-7 loss to the 49ers. If he cannot play or is limited, Davante Adams and the rest of the Rams’ receiving corps would have to absorb a larger workload against New York.

For now, there is no indication that Nacua has suffered a major injury or that the issue is connected to his previous preseason problem. The Rams are simply being careful with the star receiver, but his consecutive missed practices mean Monday night’s pregame warmups could ultimately determine whether he takes the field against the Giants.

Nabers caught six passes for 69 yards in the Giants’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys, playing 36 of a possible 69 offensive snaps in his first game since suffering the serious knee injury. He is now preparing for another challenge against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, with the Giants hoping to build on their opening-week victory.

When asked directly whether there was any need to ask if he would play against Los Angeles, Nabers gave a simple answer: no. However, he also acknowledged that there is still plenty of work to do before he feels completely like himself again.

Is Malik Nabers playing against the Rams?

Nabers made it clear that he expects to be on the field Monday night, while explaining that his preparation has remained largely the same despite the uncertainty surrounding his Week 1 availability now being gone. The receiver continues to communicate with the trainers, monitor how his body feels and take as many practice reps as possible.

Asked how he felt after playing that many snaps for the first time since his injury, Nabers admitted that he was sore but said the discomfort was manageable. He also indicated that knowing he is playing this week has not changed his approach, with his focus remaining on getting ready for the game. “A little sore, but manageable.”

Nabers’ comments are encouraging for the Giants because he came through his first game without an obvious setback. He also believes there is another level to his performance as he becomes more comfortable playing football again, particularly after spending nearly a full year recovering and preparing for his return.

The biggest revelation, however, came when Nabers evaluated his own performance against Dallas. Rather than declaring himself completely back, the young receiver was blunt about where he currently stands. “I’m rusty.” Malik explained why he felt that way. “Slipping, falling, pretty much it.”

That self-assessment could be important heading into the Rams matchup. Nabers already showed he can contribute immediately after a major knee injury, but Monday could give him another opportunity to regain the explosiveness and instincts that made him one of the NFL’s most dangerous young receivers before the injury.

For the Giants, having Nabers available against the Rams is a major part of their offensive plan. With another game under his belt, the expectation will be to see whether he can take another step toward the version of himself that New York knows can change a game.

The Rams chose not to play Donald in their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, with the veteran continuing to work his way back after spending two seasons away from football. Los Angeles ultimately suffered a 27-7 loss in Australia, making Donald’s potential return even more important as the team prepares for its home opener.

Asked whether he expects to play against the Giants, Donald made it clear that Monday is the target. “That’s the plan. I’ll have another practice tomorrow and then we’ll see, but, I’m feeling good.”

When will Aaron Donald play with Rams?

Everything currently points toward Aaron Donald making his Rams return next Monday against the Giants. He has already participated in team drills during the week and said he is feeling much more comfortable as he continues to get back into the rhythm of NFL football.

Donald has acknowledged that he still needs to reacclimate himself to the speed and physicality of the game after his long absence, but the progress during practice has given the Rams reason to believe he can be ready for Monday Night Football. His final practice will be another important step before Los Angeles determines exactly how much he can contribute.

The timing could hardly be more important for the Rams. After being dominated by the 49ers in their season opener, Los Angeles needs a response against the Giants, and bringing back one of the most accomplished defensive players of his generation would give the defense a major boost. Donald’s return would also add another storyline to a matchup that already carries plenty of pressure for the Rams.

Will Myles Garrett play for Rams vs Giants on MNF?

Myles Garrett will not play against the Giants. The Rams placed the star pass rusher on injured reserve after he underwent knee surgery, meaning he will miss at least four games while recovering. That leaves Los Angeles without one of the biggest pieces of the defense it expected to build around this season.

Garrett’s absence makes Donald’s potential return even more significant. The Rams had envisioned Garrett and Donald eventually sharing the defensive front, but with Garrett sidelined, Los Angeles will need other players to generate pressure and create disruption against opposing quarterbacks.

Donald cannot simply replace everything Garrett brings to the defense, especially after two years away from the NFL, but his presence could immediately change the way opponents have to approach the Rams’ defensive line. If he is cleared to play Monday, all eyes will be on how much the future Hall of Famer can contribute in his first game back.

For a Rams team that opened the season with a disappointing loss and then lost Garrett to injury, having Donald back on the field against the Giants could provide a major boost at exactly the right time.

Per Jordan Raanan of ESPN, “The Giants emphasized protecting the football during practice this week.” That is key, as they had a lot. They had a lost fumble from Tyrone Tracy and three others from Cam Skattebo, Jaxson Dart, and Isaiah Likely that were recovered in Week 1.

Against a juggernaut team like the Rams, you can’t have any doubts, much less if those cost you scoring opportunities. This has been a point of emphasis since the preseason, as a classic John Harbaugh team should be.

How did the Giants work on ball security?

The Giants were using weighted balls and other mechanisms to enforce protection of the rock. Also, if this is the plan, the Giants will probably cut snaps from Tyrone Tracy, who has been infamous throughout training camp and early in the season for his lack of ball security.

More snaps could come the way of Najee Harris then. While Cam Skattebo is the primary running back, Harris could serve as the RB2 over Tracy. After all, Harris has just five fumbles in his entire career.

The Rams will come out swinging

After being premised as one of the best offenses in the NFL, the Rams scored a lackluster seven points in Week 1. Hence, the Giants will have to deal with an angry offense ready to prove doubters wrong.

Skattebo has arguably delivered his most memorable performances when the spotlight has been at its brightest. That history made the question particularly interesting ahead of Monday Night Football, especially after Skattebo emerged as an important part of the Giants’ offense during their Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Skattebo’s response was confident. He insisted that he approaches every game with the same intensity, but he also acknowledged something that should catch the Rams’ attention: when the lights come on, he believes he tends to play his best football.

Cam Skattebo explains why he thrives in primetime

Cam Skattebo was asked whether he is an emotion-based performer who gets an extra boost when playing under the lights. His initial response was that the attention surrounding primetime does not change how he approaches the game.

“I feel like I’m the best player on the field and you guys notice it more when the lights are on because more people are paying attention. I’m going to play the same exact way I do every game. So, if the lights are on, lights are on. If the lights aren’t on, you’re still going to see me play the same ball just as much the same amount of people aren’t paying attention.”

That confidence is consistent with the way Skattebo has approached his transition to the NFL. He does not believe he needs a different mindset simply because the audience is larger, arguing that his effort and physical style remain the same regardless of the game’s importance or television audience.

However, Skattebo did acknowledge that there is something about primetime that can bring out an even higher level of performance. That distinction could be particularly important for the Rams as they prepare to deal with one of the Giants’ most physical offensive weapons.

Cam Skattebo warns Rams before MNF game

After explaining that he plays hard every time he steps onto the field, Cam Skattebo admitted that primetime can provide some additional fuel. He does not see it as changing his approach, but rather as another environment in which his natural intensity can shine through.

“Okay, the lights are on, I’m going to play just the same ball as I always play. I’m the type to, when the lights are on, I do probably play my best ball. That’s probably how it is. But I feel like I play well every game, every game I get on the field, I play as hard as I can and give it my best shot.”

That combination of confidence and consistency is what makes Skattebo’s comments notable ahead of Monday night. Cam is not promising that he will suddenly become a different player against the Rams, but he is acknowledging that the biggest stages have historically brought out some of his best football.

Now Los Angeles has to prepare for a physical Giants running back who already believes he belongs among the best players on the field. With the lights on at SoFi Stadium and a national audience watching, Skattebo will have another opportunity to prove it.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Aaron Donald himself “hopes” to play in Week 2’s Monday Night Football vs. Giants. Donald was close to play in Australia but ended up not traveling with the team. Now, it seems like he is ready to go.

The Rams need Donald bad right now. Myles Garrett was sent to the Injury Reserve list and is confirmed that he isn’t playing vs. Giants in Week 2. Hence, Donald’s presence would really strengthen the Rams defensive line.

The Rams defense was really underwhelming in Week 1

It might have been the jet-lag, or Kyle Shanahan’s schemes, but the Rams were trumped in Week 1. The New York Giants have a very young, talented offense, so the Rams must avoid another bad outing.

The Rams allowed 379 total yards and 174 rushing yards. They couldn’t stop the run at all. Donald is massive to help improve that aspect of the game. Meanwhile, the Giants were able to put 394 total yards with 165 rushing yards in Week 1. The Rams must stop Cam Skattebo.

NY Giants vs Rams is one of the most intriguing games of Week 2

The Giants have plenty of eyeballs on them after revamping the whole franchise by bringing John Harbaugh in as head coach and recovering Malik Nabers as the best wideout on the team.

As for the Rams, they were supposed to be juggernauts and got humbled by divisional rivals 49ers in Week 1. Hence, now they have to bounce back. It’s a battle of stacked roster vs. young core, and also a battle of momentums.

Garrett had already been expected to miss the matchup with the Giants after the Rams announced that he would undergo arthroscopic knee surgery. However, his official placement on injured reserve now makes his absence certain and gives Los Angeles a clearer timeline for his recovery.

The timing is particularly significant for the Rams because Garrett was one of the biggest additions to their defense during the offseason. After acquiring him from the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles expected him to become a centerpiece of its pass rush, but the knee issue limited him throughout training camp and ultimately affected his performance in the season opener.

When will Myles Garrett return with LA Rams?

The Rams’ decision means Myles Garrett will miss at least four games, including Monday night’s game against the Giants. Los Angeles will also be without its star pass rusher against the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills before he becomes eligible to return in Week 6.

Garrett’s injury became a major concern after the Rams’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. He played despite the knee issue but finished without a tackle in Los Angeles’ 27-7 loss, later acknowledging that he was not playing at the level he expected from himself.

The Rams subsequently determined that surgery was the right course of action. Head coach Sean McVay has said the team does not yet have a definitive timetable for Garrett’s return beyond the four-game minimum associated with injured reserve, meaning his recovery will have to be monitored before Los Angeles knows exactly when he can come back.

Aaron Donald’s possible return with Rams

Garrett’s absence also puts even more attention on Aaron Donald as the future Hall of Fame defensive lineman continues working toward his return to the NFL. Donald did not travel with the Rams to Australia for the season opener, but he has been preparing for a possible comeback against the Giants.

That does not mean Donald is guaranteed to play Monday night. McVay has continued to emphasize that the Rams are taking a separate approach with Donald and will determine his status based on his progression. Still, with Garrett now officially unavailable, having Donald back would give Los Angeles another elite presence along the defensive front.

For the Giants, Garrett’s absence removes one of the most dangerous pass-rushing threats they could have faced Monday night. But with Donald potentially returning and the Rams playing their first home game of the season, New York will still have a major challenge waiting at SoFi Stadium.

Tracy was not listed on the Giants’ injury report Thursday, another positive development for New York as the team prepares for one of its biggest tests of the young season. His return suggests the illness that kept him away from the facility Wednesday is no longer expected to interfere with his preparation.

That is significant for the Giants’ running back depth chart. Tracy remains an important piece of a group that also includes Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary, and having him available gives John Harbaugh more options heading into the matchup with the Rams.

Tyrone Tracy returns to NY Giants practice

Tracy’s absence Wednesday initially created some concern because the Giants were trying to keep the illness from spreading through the locker room. Harbaugh explained that Tracy had arrived at the facility feeling very sick before being sent home, but the coach expected him to return Thursday if his condition improved.

That is exactly what happened. Tracy returned to practice Thursday and, even more importantly, was not listed on the injury report. There is therefore no indication at this point that the running back is dealing with a football-related injury heading into Monday night.

The timing is especially helpful because Tracy can now use the remainder of the week to prepare normally for the Rams. After making it through Thursday’s practice, the Giants have additional opportunities to monitor him before making any final decisions about their offensive personnel.

Giants get boost to RB depth chart vs Rams

Tracy’s availability gives the Giants another experienced option alongside Skattebo, who emerged as a key part of the offense in Week 1, and Singletary. New York will need contributions from its running backs against a Rams defense that presents a significant challenge up front.

The Giants also have an extra day before Monday night’s game, giving Tracy more time to fully recover from the flu and get back into his normal routine. Unless something changes over the next few days, his Thursday return represents a major step toward being available against Los Angeles.

For now, the Giants can move forward with Tracy back in the mix. After his unexpected absence Wednesday, seeing the running back return to practice without an injury designation is exactly the type of update New York wanted heading into Monday Night Football.

“The Giants are signing CB Nikko Reed from the Chargers practice squad,” Jordan Raanan ofESPN’s NFL Nation reported. While Reed was a practice squad member on Harbaugh’s Chargers, he is jumping right into the active roster of Harbaugh’s Giants. One man’s loss is another man’s gain, even when the two men involved are siblings.

“Reed lands on the Giants active roster with them short on healthy cornerbacks. Paulson Adebo didn’t practice Thursday. Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome were limited,” Raanan stated. Short on options at cornerback, the Giants wasted no time bringing in reinforcements to East Rutherford before taking on a stacked, desperate-to-get-back-on-track Rams‘ offense.

Desperate times require desperate solutions, like a neighbor asking for a spare hammer or ladder to change a lightbulb. John Harbaugh resorted to his brother Jim Harbaugh’s team for a stopgap addition at cornerback. This time around, the older brother didn’t ask; he simply swooped in and snatched a cornerback, taking Reed back with him to New York.

Peculiar schedule for Reed

With the Giants heading for Los Angeles on Saturday and Reed’s signing coming on Thursday, the 23-year-old cornerback will be in for a busy schedule, flying from LAX to the Big Apple only to fly back to the City of Angels in a matter of hours.

In the NFL, adventures like this are commonplace, and in order to survive in an ever-changing landscape, players must adapt in a heartbeat, especially an undrafted player like Reed, who is still trying to make a name for himself. Clearly, he’s someone the Harbaugh household is familiar with.

After some time with Jim in Los Angeles, Reed will experience life with John in New York. Though some stability would be nice, there are far worse places to call home and worse coaches to have as a boss in the NFL.

Reed’s stats

Coming off of college, where he played for the Colorado Buffaloes (2021-2022) and Oregon Ducks (2023-2024), Reed signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2025 NFL season. He made the 53-man active roster and appeared in five games before being shut down with a hamstring injury.

Last season, Reed recorded 2 total tackles and one pass deflection. His highlight came in the preseason, when he recorded an interception in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game. Reed hasn’t played in an NFL game since Dec. 27, 2025.

Donald has not played in a regular-season game since the end of the 2023 season before announcing his retirement. After spending more than two years away from the NFL, the future Hall of Fame defensive tackle returned to the Rams this offseason and has been working toward making his comeback.

That possibility has naturally caught the attention of Skattebo. The Giants running back knows exactly what Donald represents, but he also understands that the Rams star has not played an NFL game in a long time. Skattebo’s message ahead of Monday night’s matchup was filled with respect, but he made it clear he will not back down if the two players meet on the field.

Cam Skattebo’s message to Aaron Donald

Cam Skattebo was asked about the possibility of facing Aaron Donald and immediately acknowledged the challenge of going against a player who dominated the NFL for years. At the same time, the star RB pointed out that Donald will have to deal with the same reality as everyone else if Monday night becomes his first game back.

“He’s had a couple of years off. I’m sure he’s ready to go and he’s excited to play, but he’s still got to play football. He hasn’t practiced a ton. He hasn’t played in a game yet or played a ton. So, if it is his first game, he’s got to be ready for it, just like we do. I’m excited to play against him.”

Skattebo’s comments are not meant as disrespect toward Donald, but they’re definitely a challenge. In fact, Cam made it clear that he understands the magnitude of potentially sharing the field with one of the best defensive linemen to ever play the game.

“He’s one of the best to ever do it. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a good challenge. If I have to meet him in the hole on 3rd and 1, so be it. I gotta get one yard. He’s a good player. All respect to him.”

Cam Skattebo is ready for Aaron Donald

The final part of Skattebo’s answer captures his approach perfectly. Even if Donald is lined up across from him in one of the most physical situations possible, Cam is focused on accomplishing his assignment rather than worrying about the name on the other side.

That could make Monday night’s matchup particularly intriguing if Donald receives enough snaps to make an impact. Skattebo emerged as an important part of the Giants’ offense in Week 1, and his physical running style could eventually put him directly into situations where he has to challenge Donald at the line of scrimmage.

For Skattebo, however, the equation is simple. He has enormous respect for what Donald accomplished throughout his career, but if the Rams defensive tackle is finally back on the field and the Giants need one yard on third down, he is prepared to run directly at the challenge.

The decision is particularly interesting because New York has an extra day to prepare for the game. With the Giants playing Monday night, Harbaugh has adjusted the entire practice schedule and now wants his players to use the additional time to get accustomed to the three-hour time difference before facing Los Angeles.

This is not a new idea for Harbaugh. The Giants head coach revealed that he followed the same approach during his time with the Baltimore Ravens and even during his years with the Philadelphia Eagles. For Harbaugh, the goal is simple: give his players enough time to adjust their internal clocks so they can perform at their peak when Monday night’s game begins.

Why are the Giants traveling to Los Angeles on Saturday?

John Harbaugh was asked whether traveling to the West Coast a day early had always been part of his philosophy during his time in Baltimore. His answer was straightforward before explaining why he believes the approach works. “We did.”

Harbaugh then explained that the extra time allows the players to begin adjusting their schedules before the game. Rather than arriving in Los Angeles on Sunday and immediately preparing for Monday night, the Giants will get there Saturday night and intentionally keep the players up later to begin shifting their body clocks.

“I think it’s just been good. We did it in Philadelphia all those years too. You get a chance to kind of get your clock set just a little bit. We go ahead and get our clock set. We go out late. So, the guys are up a little later on the travel night two days before. We try to get them ready to be at their peak at night. That’s kind of the idea. Same thing we did at home, but now it’s on the road. That’s really the process.”

Harbaugh wants Giants ready for Monday night

The timing of the trip gives the Giants an opportunity to gradually adapt instead of trying to make the adjustment immediately before one of their biggest games of the early season. New York is coming off an emotional Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys and now faces a Rams team that presents a completely different challenge on the road.

Harbaugh’s strategy is ultimately about preparation rather than making the travel schedule itself a storyline. The Giants will practice Saturday before leaving for Los Angeles, giving the players additional time to settle in and prepare for a Monday night kickoff on the West Coast.

The Giants will now see whether Harbaugh’s familiar travel routine can help them execute at their highest level against the Rams. After beating Dallas under the lights in Week 1, New York will once again have a primetime stage, and Harbaugh is already taking steps to make sure his players are physically and mentally prepared when that moment arrives.