Rams HC Sean McVay provides key Puka Nacua update after missing practice
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The Los Angeles Rams aren't taking any chances with Puka Nacua.
Nacua missed practice Wednesday as he continues dealing with the groin/hip issue that kept him out of Monday night's 28-6 victory over the New York Giants. While his absence isn't ideal, Sean McVay provided some encouraging clarification about the injury.
According to ESPN's Sarah Barshop, McVay said Nacua does not have a hernia and explained why Los Angeles is taking a cautious approach with one of its best players.
“Usually time is the best thing that allows that thing to heal,” McVay said. “And then once you get to a certain point, then I think you feel pretty good moving forward.”
Nacua's status for Sunday's matchup against the Denver Broncos remains uncertain. The two-time Pro Bowler opened the season with five catches for 74 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia before missing Week 2.
Fortunately, Davante Adams proved the Rams can survive without him. Adams completely took over against New York, catching eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns as Matthew Stafford threw for 327 yards and four scores. If Nacua misses another game, Adams will once again become the obvious centerpiece of Los Angeles' passing attack.
The Rams would obviously prefer having both. Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions last season and has already established himself as one of football's premier receivers. Pairing him with Adams gives Stafford two elite options and creates one of the most dangerous receiving combinations in the league.
Los Angeles has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, making Nacua's long-term health considerably more important than rushing him back for one September game. If that requires another week on the sideline, Adams has already shown he's more than capable of holding things down.