Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is doubtful for Week 3 because of a hip injury, making a second consecutive missed game appear likely. The Rams are taking a cautious approach and have shifted attention toward a possible return in Week 4.
Nacua sustained the injury during the Rams’ season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. He caught five passes for 74 yards in that game but did not play in Week 2, when Los Angeles earned its first victory of the 2026 season against the New York Giants.
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the Rams are managing the injury with the longer term in mind. Fowler said Nacua is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis and that the team wants to avoid a recovery pattern that would repeatedly limit his availability.
Nacua’s potential absence comes after a highly productive 2025 season. Despite missing one game, he led the NFL with 129 receptions and also recorded 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers earned him his second Pro Bowl selection and a place on the All-Pro First Team.
Head coach Sean McVay also appeared to indicate that Nacua could have a chance to return in Week 4. The Rams are scheduled to face the Denver Broncos in Week 3, with the game set for Sunday Night Football. Davante Adams helped fill the receiving role during the Week 2 win, but Nacua’s status beyond Week 3 remains week-to-week.
