The Los Angeles Rams will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in London at Wembley Stadium, the final UK-based NFL game this season.
It's the first time Rams head coach Sean McVay will face former staff member Liam Coen, who was hired as Jaguars head coach earlier this year. Los Angeles and Jacksonville have started season 4-2, setting up for a tense clash in London.
While the Jaguars are relatively healthy, the Rams are dealing with offensive injuries heading into Week 7. Star wide receiver Puka Nacua sprained his ankle in the Week 6 victory over the Baltimore Ravens and hasn't practised this week.
McVay has confirmed that Nacua will still travel to London with the team, but his status is unknown. "There's a difference between return to play and return to performance," McVay said.
"You want to put him in a position to have successful outcomes. I do think some of that is reflected in is he able to go through practice and really get a good feel to allow him to feel comfortable and confident in what we would be asking if he goes.
"If not, then you have a ton of confidence in the group with the guys that'll be asked to take on bigger roles. You don't ever replace a stud like him, but we've got a lot of confidence in the other guys if that's the case."
However, fellow wideout Tutu Atwell missed the game against the Ravens last week with a hamstring injury, but McVay expects him to play. "Everything is trending in the direction of we expect him to be ready to roll," McVay said.
Puka Nacua is a doubt for Sunday's game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars
Puka Nacua is a doubt for Sunday's game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars ( AP)
"We’re just being smart, easing him back in, but it's not because of any sort of setbacks. He's making good progress so we feel good about him."
The Rams will also have Davante Adams and Jordan Whittington available, but if Nacua is healthy, it will be a major boost. McVay has been impressed with Atwell in recent seasons, as the receiver has constantly stepped up in the absence of others.
Atwell also helped ease the workload of others when the Rams dealt with several injuries to Cooper Kupp, before he switched to the Seattle Seahawks this past offseason. McVay's respect for Atwell has increased amid injury concerns.
"I think what's great about Tutu is whatever he's asked…and I've mentioned this previously, when he's gotten opportunities to take on bigger roles, whether it was a couple years ago when [Former Rams Wide Receiver] Cooper's [Kupp] been on IR and missed extended periods of time, he’s really answered the bell," McVay said.
Liam Coen spent several years as a coach under Sean McVay at the Los Angeles Rams
Liam Coen spent several years as a coach under Sean McVay at the Los Angeles Rams ( 2022 Getty Images)
For the Jaguars, Devin Lloyd and Quintin Morris have been ruled out, with neither player traveling to London. Robert Hainsey, Travon Walker, Eric Murray, and Dyami Brown are questionable, but are in the UK with Jacksonville.
How to watch Rams-Jaguars
The Rams-Jaguars game will air exclusively on NFL Network. Play-by-play announcer Rich Eisen, analyst Kurt Warner, and sideline reporter Sara Walsh will lead the broadcast. Mike Pereira will be the rules analyst.
The game will be available on local Los Angeles (KTTV) and Jacksonville (WFOX) broadcast stations. Fans who want to stream it digitally can do so on the NFL+ service.
Coverage on Sunday begins at 7 a.m. ET, with kick-off scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET.