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The Los Angeles Rams were without Puka Nacua in Week 2 after he was dealing with a bad groin injury. It didn’t seem like a major issue to worry about, or at least it didn’t at the time.
However, this is an injury that has flared back up for Nacua that he suffered in training camp.
For Sunday’s game, Nacua is once again doubtful, head coach Sean McVay revealed on Friday.
“Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is doubtful to play on “Sunday Night Football” against the Denver Broncos. Nacua will miss a fifth straight practice with the hip injury he suffered Sept. 17, coach Sean McVay said Friday,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins wrote.
It still remains to be seen just how serious the injury is. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning that surgery could still very well be in play.
“Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is doubtful for Sunday night’s game at Denver but could return as soon as next week against the Eagles, has been dealing with mainly a groin injury that has impacted his explosiveness, per league sources. Functinally, Nacua can play, but he has not felt like he can play with the same explosiveness he has had in the past. The Rams still view it as a short-term injury and think he’ll be back sooner rather than later. The organization does not believe surgery in this situation will be needed, but it’s also not entirely off the table if Nacua doesn’t show signs of improvement. Still, nobody is thinking that will be the direction this situation goes, and Nacua could be back next week,” Schefter wrote.
This is a very worrisome report, as a lack of progression from Nacua could mean that surgery becomes a more realistic option. The timeline for that surgery is still unknown if it happens, but it would be a major blow for the Rams.
For now, there should be optimism that Nacua is still trying to return next weekend. If he misses Week 4, there should be legitimate concern that surgery could be on the horizon.
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