Los Angeles Rams fans are eager to see if star wide receiver Puka Nacua will suit up against the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday’s preseason opener at SoFi Stadium. Regarding exhibition games, Rams head coach Sean McVay prefers limiting starter play time for first-team athletes during preseason; thus, all eyes will be on the rookies and backups.
Nacua, a standout from 2023, is one of the players fans are hoping to see in action. The Rams’ preseason games are crucial for evaluating young talent and building depth.
Will Puka Nacua Play Against the Dallas Cowboys?
Rams fans will be disappointed to know they won’t get a glimpse of their fan-favorite rookie from last season. Nacua, the former BYU Cougars WR, who set rookie records last season with 105 catches for 1,486 yards, will not play against the Cowboys on Sunday due to a knee injury.
With nearly four weeks until the Rams’ regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions, all eyes will be on whether Nacua can recover in time to make the lineup.
The Rams’ receiving corps is shaping up, with Cooper Kupp confirmed for the WR1 spot and Nacua locking in as WR2. Despite some competition, veteran Demarcus Robinson has secured the WR3 role, while Tutu Atwell’s stock continues to drop after a lackluster performance last season.
McVay boasts six receivers on the 53-man roster, with Tyler Johnson making a strong case to stay and Jordan Whittington working hard this offseason to justify his place. Los Angeles has depth, but the spotlight remains on Kupp and Nacua.
Nacua Injury Update
Nacua suffered a knee injury during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers last week. The injury occurred during a red-zone drill, and it initially caused concern in Rams camp when Nacua was seen icing his knee on the sidelines.
However, McVay offered a reassuring update, confirming that Nacua suffered a ruptured bursa in his knee. This is not considered severe but can be tricky if not fully healed. Additionally, there’s a potential ligament sprain, which is adding to the concern.
The Rams head coach told NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Nacua’s recovery is being monitored weekly, and the team expects him to be ready for the Week 1 matchup against the Lions.
Rams HC Sean McVay on WR Puka Nacua’s knee injury: “It’s just going to be week-to-week with him. Nothing serious [or] nothing structurally. He’ll be in good shape. He’ll recover and we’ll be ready to go. No threat of anything for Detroit.” pic.twitter.com/AVpQsXYGaH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2024
While the Rams are optimistic about Nacua’s availability for the season opener, they’ll need to ensure his knee heals completely to avoid complications like bursitis, which could impact his performance later in the season.