Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is doubtful for Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos due to a groin injury.
Sean McVay and the Rams Face Denver Without Puka Nacua
The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for their Week 3 Sunday night matchup against the host Denver Broncos without wide receiver Puka Nacua. Head coach Sean McVay indicated that the team would err on the side of caution with the receiver’s health, leading to a doubtful game designation. Nacua did not participate in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday as he deals with an issue initially listed as a hip injury and later clarified by McVay as groin soreness. On Wednesday, Sean McVay mentioned that the Los Angeles Rams intend to approach Puka Nacua’s health with caution.
I think doubtful means it's more unlikely than likely to play,
McVay stated during his press briefing, mentioning that if Nacua is unable to play in the Denver matchup, the current plan anticipates him being ready by next week for the Rams’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles, provided he experiences no setbacks. The team also enters the game with safety Kamren Kinchens listed as doubtful due to a hamstring injury, while tight end Colby Parkinson is trending in the right direction to play and wide receiver Jordan Whittington carries no game status designation. For the Broncos, rookie running back Jonah Coleman was ruled out, while wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. was listed as questionable.
Contract Year Dynamics and Financial Realities
As Nacua misses time, his contract status has become a central talking point. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Nacua is scheduled to make $5.767 million in 2026. Analysts and insiders have pointed out the vast financial gap between Nacua’s current earnings and top-tier market values, noting comparisons such as Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba securing a second deal carrying a significantly higher average annual salary of $42.15 million per year, highlighting the potential for a substantial pay increase when Nacua eventually negotiates his own long-term extension. Nacua is making $5.767 million in the final year of his rookie deal.
While off-field issues have previously delayed negotiations and left him without a new long-term deal, the lack of financial security beyond this year creates a complicated backdrop for his recovery. According to reporting from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Nacua could return as soon as next week,
but that the groin issue has impacted his explosiveness.
Nacua “functionally” can play, but he has not felt like he can play with the same explosiveness he has had in the past.
Without a multi-year deal locked in, operating below peak acceleration risks both his short-term effectiveness and his long-term market valuation. The team, per Schefter, doesn’t believe surgery will be needed, but it’s not entirely off the table.
Injury Speculation and Physical Playstyle Concerns
The physical nature of Nacua’s game has also drawn scrutiny from analysts discussing his durability. Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms expressed concern on a podcast appearance about the progression from a psoas groin injury to a hip issue, raising the specter of a potential core muscle injury or sports hernia requiring surgical intervention. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio echoed those sentiments while questioning whether the Rams are fully addressing potential surgical needs, noting that Nacua is one of the most physical wide receivers ever. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes that recent offseason troubles and health questions surrounding Puka Nacua may weaken his bargaining position during contract talks.
Both analysts tied Nacua’s current ailments directly to his relentless style on the field. Given the way he plays, I'm not surprised he's got whatever it is he's got,
Florio said on “PFT Live” on September 22, adding that the receiver attacks everything from routes to contact with maximum intensity. Having missed six games throughout the 2024 season and one contest in 2025, Nacua remains recognized as one of the premier wide receivers in the sport.
Depth on Offense While the Star Receiver Heals
Even with Nacua sidelined for a second game, the Rams have demonstrated an ability to produce yardage and points through other offensive weapons. When he is sidelined, Los Angeles maintains several additional offensive options capable of taking on an increased burden. McVay expressed confidence in the supporting cast if Nacua is ultimately ruled out in Denver. Earlier in the week, the Rams head coach stated that the injury is not expected to be a long-term issue, and during his Friday media session, he noted that as long as there are no setbacks, Nacua is expected to suit up for L.A.’s Week 4 matchup against the Eagles.
