Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua was absent from Thursday’s practice as the team prepared for its preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
What happened to Puka Nacua?
Nacua suffered the issue during Tuesday’s joint session with the Dallas Cowboys and left practice early. He returned to the field Thursday but only worked out on the side as the Rams completed their final session before heading to Kansas City.
Is Nacua injured?
The wideout receiver is dealing with muscle soreness involving his psoas, which runs from the lower back through the pelvis and toward the legs. The Rams are treating the issue cautiously, with head coach Sean McVay offering an encouraging update on Nacua’s condition.
The Rams have reason to remain cautious given the muscle involved. The psoas extends from the lower back through the pelvis and connects near the upper femur, playing a key role in hip movement and lower-body stability.
Those functions are particularly important for a wide receiver, who must repeatedly accelerate, change direction and stay balanced while absorbing contact.
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The 25-year-old Rams WR also has a history of injury setbacks. In 2024, a PCL sprain forced him onto injured reserve early in the season.
When will he return?
“Puka is doing good,” McVay said. “We’re just being smart with him. Expect him to be back next week, ready to go.”
That leaves Nacua’s status as day-to-day, with the team expecting him to resume practice next week.
Nacua heads into contract year
Nacua is entering his fourth season in Los Angeles and is in the final year of his rookie contract. He has been a regular participant throughout training camp and preseason preparations before the recent setback.
The two-time Pro Bowl receiver enjoyed a standout 2025 campaign, leading the NFL with 129 receptions while finishing second with 1,715 receiving yards.
Nacua, Garrett set to rest
Nacua was not the only prominent Rams player held out Thursday. Defensive end Myles Garrett also sat out as the team managed swelling in his knee, an issue that has bothered him at times over the past month. Garrett is likewise expected to return to practice next week.
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Neither Nacua nor Garrett was expected to see action in Saturday’s preseason opener even if they had been fully healthy.
McVay has traditionally kept key players out of preseason games, prioritizing their health ahead of the regular season.
With inputs from AP report.
