NFL insider Ari Meirov shared the latest intel on Donald, delivering bad news for Rams fans. “Rams DT Aaron Donald has a back injury and is out on Sunday vs. the Eagles,” Meirov wrote, leaving the Rams in an unfavorable position. Additionally, the Rams will be without Terrance Ferguson and Jaylen Watson.

Donald has scratched his competitive itch in many ways this season, including as a leader in the locker room. Donald became angry after his team’s loss to the Broncos in Week 3 and after hearing coach Sean McVay’s subsequent message to the team. Donald has been a factor on the Rams‘ D-line so far, but he has not been the overwhelming force he was in past seasons.

What happened to Donald?

Donald was a surprise addition to the injury report on Wednesday with what the team is describing as a sore back. He did not practice all week, and the team officially ruled him out. Sean McVay offered an explanation for the decision.

“Just has some soreness there, just working through it,” said McVay. “I think our job as coaches is to put our players in positions to have successful outcomes. He’s as tough as it gets, [but] just not feeling good enough.”

Other injuries the Rams must deal with

It is not a real surprise, but the Rams will also be without Ferguson at tight end and Watson at cornerback. Ferguson has been dealing with a medial ankle sprain this week, and Watson dislocated his shoulder against the Broncos and will be out for at least this NFL game. McVay had previously ruled both players out this week. Without Ferguson, rookie Max Klare could see some more action.

Also at tight end, it appears that Colby Parkinson will be questionable for Sunday. Parkinson has been dealing with an AC sprain and has not practiced all week, officially being listed as questionable. Another surprise addition to the injury report on Friday was edge rusher Josaiah Stewart. Stewart was listed with a groin injury and is officially questionable as well.

Nacua‘s injury status received a positive update, along with comments from head coach Sean McVay on how the Rams star looked in practice this week, as reported by ESPN’s Sarah Barshop: “Puka Nacua will play Sunday against the Eagles. Sean McVay said Nacua ‘looked sharp’ yesterday at practice, but the Rams are still working through how they will navigate his snap count.”

The wide receiver missed the last two games while dealing with a hip/groin issue. He has been a noticeably absent piece for Sean McVay, and having him back alongside Matthew Stafford can solve certain offensive issues the Rams have faced.

How Nacua feels about his return

Nacua has not played since the Rams‘ Week 1 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, where he caught five passes for 74 yards. Nacua returned to practice on Wednesday, and while he was listed as a limited participant on Thursday, He said it was a full day of work.

“It’s exciting,” Nacua said. “That’s my safe space out there, and to be out there with the guys, I think that’s been the most important thing, feeling that camaraderie and then also the ability to put my foot in the ground.”

With Nacua out, Davante Adams and Konata Mumpfield both stepped up. They combined for three touchdowns in the last two games, with Adams posting back-to-back 100-yard games. He led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards per game last season and served as the offensive engine.

Now that Nacua is back, the Rams can return to their 11 personnel offense with three receivers, something they had to steer away from over the last two weeks without Nacua. However, it will be something to watch in case of any injury relapse.

Key takeaways

• Puka Nacua will play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles following a two-game absence.
• Five passes for 74 yards were caught during the season opener against San Francisco.
• Three touchdowns were combined by Davante Adams and Konata Mumpfield over two games.

Initially listed as doubtful on the official list, Nacua is inactive for Sunday’s game in Denver. A hip injury kept him out of the Week 2 win over the New York Giants, but his latest setback is a groin injury.

The decision to rule him out stems from a choice not to risk Nacua’s health, aiming to have him ready for NFL Week 4. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that there is a real possibility Nacua could suit up next week for a big game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Rams prioritize long-term health to protect offense

The Denver Broncos are a tough opponent, as are the Eagles next week. The best thing would be for Nacua to get more rest and be fully ready for the bulk of the season and the playoffs. Luckily, the Rams have Davante Adams looking like he is still in his prime, and he will be the Rams’ top target this week.

Nacua has been listed as a non-participant on each of the Rams’ last five injury reports as he deals with a hip injury that head coach Sean McVay has termed “soreness in his groin” that is unrelated to the psoas discomfort that he dealt with in training camp.

Fellow WR Davante Adams will again have unfettered access to targets from QB Matthew Stafford, with Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith as the others available at the position.

The Rams continue to deal with that sensitive injury, in addition to remaining without Myles Garrett. Holding a 1-1 record, they will look to secure a major result against a tough Broncos team led by Bo Nix.

Key takeaways

• Puka Nacua is inactive for Sunday Night Football against Denver.
• A groin injury was cited as the primary physical setback.
• Week 4 against Philadelphia is targeted as a potential return timeline.

After being ruled doubtful for Sunday’s matchup in Denver, McVay claimed that he thinks Nacua could return by Week 4 for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The four-year veteran still needs more time to recover, but Los Angeles does not appear to be discussing a trip to injured reserve for now. “Sean McVay believes that, barring a setback, Puka Nacua could return next week vs. the Eagles,” Schefter reported.

ESPN’s Sarah Barshop broke the news that the two-time Pro Bowler missed Friday’s practice, which led to his doubtful ruling for Sunday. That leaves Matthew Stafford throwing to Davante Adams as his No. 1 wide receiver for at least one more week. “Puka Nacua will not practice and will be listed as doubtful for the game against the Broncos,” Barshop reported.

What happened to Puka Nacua?

The Rams star sustained the injury during a Thursday practice heading into the Week 2 matchup against the Giants. The team quickly ruled him out for that game, and the injury has lasted longer than the club had hoped. The good news is that L.A. has not considered placing him on IR.

Whenever Puka Nacua does return from injury, he will aim to bounce back from his cold performance in the season opener. In his one game of action this year, Nacua recorded five receptions for 74 yards off nine targets.

While McVay reassured reporters that there is no structural concern or risk of a long-term absence, the decision to hold him back highlights the team’s commitment to ensuring he returns at 100% rather than risking a lingering soft-tissue aggravation.

Nacua’s replacement

Matthew Stafford and the Rams are trending toward not having Puka Nacua for a second week in a row. However, Nacua’s replacement, Jordan Whittington, is expected to be back in Week 3 of the NFL season against the Broncos.

Moreover, Stafford figures to have his top tight end, Colby Parkinson. That does not negate the potential loss of Nacua or safety Kam Kinchens, but it helps. “Rams WR Jordan Whittington (quad) will be back this week, Sean McVay said, while TE Colby Parkinson will go through today’s jog-through and is ‘trending in the right direction,'” LA Daily News reporter Adam Grosbard posted on X on September 25, adding, “S Kam Kinchens will be doubtful for Sunday.”

“I’m hopeful that he’ll play,” McVay said, via Gary Klein of the L.A. Times. “If he’s ready to go, great. If not, then we’ll continue to roll.” Nacua was listed as questionable for Monday Night Football and was ultimately inactive for the matchup.

“You have to redirect your whole kind of plans, and you almost have to operate where it’s like, ‘All right, if [Nacua] plays it’s a bonus, but we can’t count on him playing even though we were hopeful that there might be a chance,” the coach also added. “It really just boiled down to … when you have soft tissue injuries with guys like that, that are skill players, you’re going to err on the side of caution.”

Nacua’s absence in Week 2 was more than adequately covered by Davante Adams at SoFi Stadium. However, if McVay can have his two biggest aerial weapons on the field in Denver, Sean Payton will undoubtedly have plenty of reasons to worry.

What injury is Nacua dealing with?

Puka Nacua‘s status took a turn late in the week when a hip and groin issue popped up, ultimately ruling him inactive for Week 2 against the Giants. After making five catches for 74 yards in the season opener against San Francisco, Nacua had been dealing with psoas soreness through August and didn’t feel quite right during Thursday’s practice.

When he held out on Friday and Saturday with compounding hip and groin tightness, Sean McVay and the medical staff decided to play it safe rather than push him out there on Monday Night Football. It left Matthew Stafford leaning heavily on Davante Adams in the passing game, though early signs point to the move being a precautionary measure to prevent a nagging lower-body injury from lingering deeper into the season.

What lies beyond the Broncos?

The Rams are heading into a pretty grueling stretch of games over the next month. It all kicks off with a trip into the high altitude to take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 27 at Empower Field at Mile High. Right after that road test, they stay on the highway for another tough matchup when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, October 4 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Once those back-to-back road trips are out of the way, they finally return home to Inglewood. First up at SoFi Stadium is a heavy-hitting prime-time clash against the Buffalo Bills on Monday, October 12. To wrap up this four-game stretch, they stay right there at home to host their division rival, the Arizona Cardinals, on Sunday, October 18.

Key takeaways

• Sean McVay expressed hope that his receiver will return against Denver.
• A hip and groin issue sidelined the wideout following five catches in Week 1.
• Los Angeles visits the Broncos on September 27 at Empower Field at Mile High.

In fact, Nacua only missed one game in the 2025 NFL season, and he was hoping to have a similar Iron-Man-like streak in 2026. However, the Rams’ star pass-catcher and matchup-destroyer is facing adversity of the kind he’s never faced in his professional journey.

The last game Nacua had missed in the NFL was on Oct. 19, 2025. Then, Nacua was ruled out due to an ankle sprain days in advance, before the Rams faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL International Game at Wembley Stadium in London.

Rams won last time Nacua was out

If it’s worth anything, the Rams did great the last time they were without Nacua in an NFL regular-season game. Against Jacksonville, Los Angeles won 35-7 in the Big Smoke. Davante Adams shined the brightest with Nacua sidelined, as the veteran wideout caught three touchdown passes.

Perhaps a similar night awaits for him at SoFi Stadium against the Giants. Though similar, this isn’t the same Rams team from a little less than a year ago. Indeed, the fact Aaron Donald is playing for the Rams against the Giants in Week 2 helps, but may not make up for other key absentees.

Most importantly, Myles Garrett isn’t playing for Los Angeles against New York on Monday Night Football as he is on Injured Reserve (IR) following knee surgery. Still, Sean McVay and the Rams will have to do well with what they have. Indeed, they have notable absences and injuries, but they boast a talented roster that can weather the storm.

When can Nacua return?

The last time Nacua missed time due to injury in the NFL, the Rams were fortunate enough to enjoy a bye week, meaning Nacua only missed one game. They won’t have that luxury in 2026, and if Nacua doesn’t make progress, he might be sidelined when his team takes on the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football in Week 3.

Last year, Puka caught seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown upon his return from the ankle sprain. It remains to be seen how he bounces back from the hip injury that is affecting him in 2026.

Key takeaways

• Puka Nacua missed the Rams’ Week 2 game due to a hip injury.
• The star wide receiver previously sat out an International Game in London on Oct. 19, 2025.
• Los Angeles won that prior matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars by a 35-7 score.

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.

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.

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.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter stopped by The Pat McAfee Show and gave the latest update on what Nacua’s discipline may or may not look like. “I think there’s a real possibility that Puka Nacua doesn’t face any discipline this season… He’s gonna be out there against the San Francisco 49ers,” Schefter said, per Pat McAfee on X, formerly Twitter.

Nacua is currently involved in controversy. Off-field concerns started to ramp up for Nacua throughout last season with the Rams, some of which stemmed from a livestream with Twitch streamer N3on, among other controversies. Additionally, he has built up a considerable injury history over the years, which the team will certainly be keeping an eye on heading into this season.

Nacua’s presence is key

However, when he is on the field, Nacua is one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, using a lethal combination of speed, athleticism, and skill with his hands to shred opposing defenses and give the Rams one of the most explosive passing games in the NFL, led by reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford.

The Rams are considered favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, largely thanks to major offseason trades for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, and having Nacua on the field will undoubtedly help achieve that goal.

Nacua’s availability would keep the centerpiece of the Rams’ passing attack on the field in one of the most unusual Week 1 settings in NFL history. The 25-year-old led the league with 129 receptions last season, finishing with 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while earning First-Team All-Pro honors.

The Rams have spent weeks preparing for the possibility of the league stepping in prior to the season opener. Schefter’s latest update, however, points to Nacua traveling to Melbourne without a suspension and potentially playing the entire season without facing one.

As the Rams get ready to open their season against the 49ers in Australia this week, the status of Nacua received an update that leaves him on track to play in Week 1 despite his situation, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

“Rams WR Puka Nacua, who has been dealing with psoas soreness and also could be facing potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy for previous off-the-field behavior, is expected to play in Week 1 vs. the 49ers, per HC Sean McVay,” Schefter posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Nacua’s situation

Currently, a lawsuit has been filed against Nacua. It is alleged that Nacua bit a woman and her friend, in addition to making antisemitic comments during the incident.

Nacua voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility to improve his behavior. Meanwhile, the psoas injury — affecting a deep core muscle connecting the lumbar spine to the femur — allows walking and bend.

The biggest concern remains a potential suspension. He has been involved in several incidents, including live streaming from the locker room, which violates NFL rules. The NFL continues to investigate Nacua and could sanction him under its personal conduct policy.

Nacua’s performance

Nacua has put up strong production for the Rams. Over the last three seasons, he has played in 44 games, recording 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns. Last year, he recorded 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also adding one rushing touchdown.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, “Do not expect a Puka Nacua contract extension before the season. Do not.” Hence, Nacua should focus on balling out this year to make his pricetag just go bigger and bigger for the Rams to payout.

Rapoport also stated that Nacua is in a better place mentally than he has been in previous training camps. Arguably the NFL‘s best WR, Nacua’s off-field shenanigans are his biggest roadblocks. However, it seems he is in a better place.

Nacua has established himself as an elite WR

In just three years in the NFL, Nacua already reached all-time great levels. If he decided to retired today, Nacua would be the the all-time leader in yards per game with 95.3. In fact, it’s absolutely insane that Nacua reached these levels all through his rookie contract.

Nacua averages 104.3 catches for 1.397 yards per season, alongside 6.3 touchdowns. Nacua’s abilities to run routes, catch through traffic and be basically unguardable have made him one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

Nacua has overcome all the odds

Nacua came into the league without much hype. He was at Washington and BYU and was drafted 177th overall, in the fifth round. Nacua wasn’t even expected to become this star, as the Rams had triple-crown winner Cooper Kupp.

Nacua started steamrolling defenders from his first game. He became the Rams WR1 in no time, and then he climbed into the top of the NFL. As of now, he is in the same conversation as Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, to mention a few.