Puka Nacua
Wide Receiver #17
Puka Nacua News
Puka Nacua Returns to Practice on Wednesday, Expected to Play in Week 4
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that he expects wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) to play in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Nacua returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday after missing each of the Rams' last two games with a groin injury. However, it appears as though he's trending in the right direction and could be active this week. The 25-year-old recorded five catches for 74 yards on nine targets against the San Francisco 49ers in his lone appearance of 2026 so far. Nacua was arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in 2025, hauling in 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets across 16 games. As long as he's active in Week 4, Nacua profiles as a must-start WR1 option for fantasy managers against Philadelphia.
Sep 30, 2026 12:59 PM EST
Rams Hopeful That Puka Nacua Can Play This Week
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that he is hopeful that star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) can play in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing the last two games with a groin injury, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Nacua tweaked his groin in practice a few weeks ago and has not practiced in close to two weeks, so he will need to return to the practice field this week to have a chance to make his return against the Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 4. Veteran pass-catcher Davante Adams has 15 receptions on 23 targets for 332 yards and two touchdowns the last two weeks with Nacua sidelined, and tight end Tyler Higbee had a big game in the Sunday night loss to the Denver Broncos. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues who are considering picking up Konata Mumpfield after his big game in Week 3 should think twice with Nacua potentially returning this week. Nacua has quickly developed into one of the most lethal receivers in the league, so when he returns, he should immediately be thrown back into all starting fantasy lineups.
Sep 28, 2026 2:27 PM EST
Puka Nacua Will Not Play Versus Broncos in Week 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) is inactive for Week 3's Sunday Night Football matchup with the Denver Broncos due to a hip injury, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. It will be the second consecutive game that Nacua has missed. He did not practice during the week and was designated as doubtful entering Sunday. Nacua recorded five receptions for 74 yards in Week 1 versus the San Francisco 49ers, which was his only action of the 2026 season thus far. With Nacua out, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams will rely on wide receivers Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and others in the passing game.
Sep 27, 2026 3:22 PM EST
Puka Nacua Could Return Next Week, Surgery Still an Option
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) "could return as soon as next week against the Eagles," according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Functionally, Nacua is capable of playing, but he has lacked explosiveness while recovering from his injury. Schefter notes that the Rams believe this is a short-term injury and expect to see Nacua back sooner rather than later, but at the same time, they won't rule out the possibility of surgery if he doesn't recover as smoothly as expected. There still seems to be plenty of moving parts here, and Nacua's injury status is far from straightforward. The fact that the Rams have yet to rule out surgery is quite worrisome for fantasy managers, as any sort of operation would likely lead to an extended absence for the superstar receiver. Nacua caught five passes for 74 yards in Week 1, ranked as the overall WR1 in PPR leagues last year, and is a must-start in all formats when healthy. Davante Adams has stepped up as quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite target in Nacua's absence.
Sep 27, 2026 5:09 AM EST
Puka Nacua Doubtful Headed Into Week 3 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is considered doubtful prior to Week 3's contest against the Broncos according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Nacua has a hip injury that kept him out Week 2 against the Giants as well. Rams coach Sean McVay is hopeful for a Week 4 return for the talented wide receiver. Nakua was targeted nine times in Week 1's Australia game against the 49ers. He recorded five catches for 74 receiving yards. But his hip injury is a significant concern as he is set to miss his second straight week. He is one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL but needs to return to full health before he can re-establish his connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Davante Adams filled in in a big way for Nacua last week and tight end Terrance Ferguson had a nice game as well.
Sep 26, 2026 6:42 AM EST
Puka Nacua Doubtful to Play on Sunday Night
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) will not practice on Friday and is being listed as doubtful for the Sunday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos in Week 3, according to Stu Jackson of the team's official website. Nacua injured his groin in practice last week and did not play in the Monday night win over the New York Giants, and now he is set to miss a second straight game after not recovering very well this week. With Nacua out in Week 2, veteran wideout Davante Adams went off for over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson also saw a bigger role and found the end zone for the first time in 2026. Adams will obviously have a bigger target share yet again this weekend with Nacua out again, but it might not be as fruitful of a performance fantasy-wise if the Broncos lock star cornerback Patrick Surtain II on him all game. It remains to be seen if Nacua will be ready to return for the team's Week 4 contest in Philadelphia against the Eagles next Sunday, Oct. 4.
Sep 25, 2026 10:12 AM EST
Puka Nacua Missing Another Practice
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) was not at practice during the portion open to the media on Thursday, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Nacua did not practice on Wednesday either, and coming off a missed game in the Monday night win over the New York Giants, the 25-year-old is very questionable to suit up on Sunday night in Week 3 on the road against the Denver Broncos. He will certainly need to get back on the field on Friday to have any shot at being active on Sunday. Head coach Sean McVay is not concerned that Nacua's injury is a long-term one, but he has not made great progress so far this week and is trending towards missing a second straight game. Fantasy managers will have another difficult decision if he is a game-time decision once again in Denver, but the way things are trending, it seems more likely that Nacua will miss another game. Veteran Davante Adams went over 100 yards with two touchdowns with Nacua sidelined on Monday, and second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson also got more involved and found the end zone.
Sep 24, 2026 2:07 PM EST
Puka Nacua "Not Making Great Progress" for Week 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is not trending in the right direction to return in Week 3's matchup with the Broncos, according to what coach Sean McVay told ESPN Los Angeles. McVay was very candid, stating, "He's not making great progress" when asked about Nacua's recovery. Without Puka in Week 2, Davante Adams went off with 195 yards and two touchdowns, and he will be in a prime position for another big game against the Broncos on Sunday Night Football if Nacua is unable to return. Tight end Terrance Ferguson also gets a big bump if Nacua is out, since he ranked second on the team with six catches on nine targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. Ferguson will be a starting TE option in most leagues if Nacua is unable to return this week. Nacua could still make a surprising return to practice before the end of the week, but a Week 4 return against the Eagles looks like the more likely scenario.
Sep 24, 2026 5:58 AM EST
Rams Unsure if Puka Nacua Will Play in Week 3
The Los Angeles Rams are only doing a jog-through practice on Wednesday after playing on Monday night in Week 2, but they are estimating no practice for star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin), according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Head coach Sean McVay is not yet sure whether Nacua will play on Sunday Night Football in Week 3 on the road against the Denver Broncos. The good news for fantasy managers is that McVay is not concerned about it being a long-term injury. The Rams' No. 1 wideout tweaked his groin in practice last week and was unavailable for the Monday night win over the New York Giants, in which WR2 Davante Adams stole the show with over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The 25-year-old Nacua will need to get back on the practice field on Thursday or Friday to have a shot at playing in Denver. Even though the Rams do not think the former fifth-rounder's injury is very serious, it does not mean he will play on Sunday night. The timing of the primetime game, just like in Week 2, makes the decision whether to start Nacua this week a difficult one again. Hopefully, we will have a better idea of his Week 3 status by the end of the week.
Sep 23, 2026 1:24 PM EST
Rams "Hopeful" Puka Nacua Can Play in Week 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) remains uncertain for Week 3 after sitting out Monday night's win over the Giants. Head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday that he is hopeful Nacua can play Sunday night against Denver, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, but added that he isn't sure of his status yet. Nacua missed the final two practices last week after groin soreness surfaced following Thursday's session and was inactive Monday. The Rams officially listed the issue as a hip injury, while McVay has described it as soreness in Nacua's groin. McVay said the Rams will play him if he's ready and continue without him if he isn't.
Sep 22, 2026 7:45 AM EST
Puka Nacua Ruled Out for Monday Night Football
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is officially inactive for the Monday night contest in Week 2 against the visiting New York Giants, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Rams offense will be without their top playmaker as they look to win their first game of the 2026 season on Monday night. Fantasy managers who rolled the dice and left Nacua in their lineups in Week 2 will now be forced to hit up the waiver wire to add a Rams or Giants receiver. The 25-year-old Nacua caught five of nine targets for 74 yards in the season-opening loss to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Australia before tweaking his groin in practice last week. The Rams have decided to err on the side of caution and sit the two-time Pro Bowler in Week 2, and it remains to be seen if he will be ready to go in Week 3 for another primetime matchup on Sunday Night Football on the road against the Denver Broncos. With Nacua out on Monday night, veteran Davante Adams should be peppered with targets, while the Rams could also lean heavily on their tight end group of Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, and Tyler Higbee. Receivers Konata Mumpfield and Tutu Atwell are probably the best bets for desperate fantasy managers hitting the waiver wire for a body.
Sep 21, 2026 2:59 PM EST
Puka Nacua "Trending in the Wrong Direction" for Monday Night
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin), who is listed as questionable to play in Week 2 on Monday night against the New York Giants, is "trending in the wrong direction" to be active. Schefter also reported on Sunday morning that the 25-year-old All-Pro wideout will likely be a game-time call after missing practice on Friday and Saturday with what head coach Sean McVay called "soreness in his groin." Nacua being up in the air for a Monday night game puts fantasy managers between a rock and a hard place. The latest report from Schefter basically means that if you have another decent option for Week 2 to use in a flex spot, the smart call would probably be to bench Nacua now. The Rams offense and the two-time Pro Bowler got off to a slow start in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers last week in Australia, with Nacua catching five of his nine targets for 74 yards and no touchdowns. If he is inactive on Monday night, veteran Davante Adams will become the Rams' WR1, with Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and CJ Daniels battling for WR2 duties. Jordan Whittington is doubtful to play due to a quad injury.
Sep 20, 2026 8:12 AM EST
Puka Nacua a Game-Time Decision for Week 2
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) will be a game-time decision for Monday's Week 2 contest against the New York Giants, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Nacua is listed as questionable after missing practice entirely on Friday and Saturday. Typically, missing back-to-back practices indicates that a player won't suit up, but the Rams are leaving the door open for him to play on Monday Night Football. The timing of this game presents a challenge for fantasy managers, who will most likely need to decide Sunday whether they're going to roll the dice with Nacua or sub him out for a different receiver who is guaranteed to play. If he's active, the 25-year-old should rank as a high-end WR1 in fantasy football.
Sep 20, 2026 4:15 AM EST
Puka Nacua a Risky Fantasy Option with Status in Limbo
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) is listed as questionable for Monday's Week 2 contest against the New York Giants, making him a very risky option for fantasy football leagues. Nacua has missed practice each of the last two days, suggesting that he's trending in the wrong direction for Monday Night Football. With that said, the Rams are leaving the door open for him to play with a "questionable" tag, and he'll have two days to recover and get ready for Monday's game. The unfortunate news for fantasy managers is that the Rams don't play until Monday night, which means that it's imperative to have a backup plan in place ahead of time. In leagues where the auto-sub feature isn't enabled, managers will have to decide whether to bench Nacua as a precaution, roll the dice and start him but take a zero if he doesn't play, or add another Giants or Rams player to shift into the wide receiver or flex spot if Nacua is ruled out at the last minute. If active, Nacua will rank as a WR1, with the Rams looking to bounce back from last week's season-opening dud on offense. If he's inactive, Davante Adams would likely step up as the team's No. 1 pass catcher.
Sep 19, 2026 4:47 PM EST
Puka Nacua Questionable for Monday Night
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Giants, according to Nate Atkins. Nacua will miss practice for a second straight day Saturday after sitting out Friday. Atkins reports that the groin injury is separate from the psoas issue Nacua dealt with during training camp. He caught five of nine targets for 74 yards in the season-opening loss to San Francisco. The Rams also have a concern behind him, with Jordan Whittington doubtful because of a quad injury. Whittington is listed directly behind Nacua on the depth chart. Davante Adams would be the clear top receiver available if Nacua can't play.
Sep 19, 2026 10:45 AM EST
Puka Nacua Misses Practice Due to Hip Injury
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) did not practice on Friday due to a hip injury, according to Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. There is no word on the severity of Nacua's hip injury, but hopefully we will be able to find out more when the media talks to head coach Sean McVay on Saturday. The good news is Nacua and the Rams have an extra day before their Week 2 game on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants. The 25-year-old did not come away from the Week 1 season-opening loss in Australia last Thursday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers with an injury after catching five of his nine targets for 74 yards. If Nacua does not practice in full on Saturday, he could head into Monday's action with a questionable tag. Nacua is obviously a must-start when he is active in all fantasy football formats. Fellow wideout Jordan Whittington (quadriceps) could also be questionable this week, which could severely thin out L.A's pass-catching group to veteran Davante Adams and an inexperienced group consisting of Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and CJ Daniels.
Sep 18, 2026 2:46 PM EST
Puka Nacua Misses Practice on Friday
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (undisclosed) is not practicing on Friday afternoon, according to Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. It is unclear why Nacua is not practicing in the team's second practice of the week as they prepare to take on the New York Giants in Week 2 on Monday night. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see the official reasoning for Nacua's absence, but they will be keeping their fingers crossed that it is nothing serious. The 25-year-old did not appear to get injured at all in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers last Thursday in Australia, when he put up five receptions on nine targets for 74 yards and no touchdowns. The former fifth-rounder from BYU is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he is healthy, but if his reason for missing practice on Friday is serious enough to keep him out in Week 2, Davante Adams would be the new WR1 for the Rams in a perfect bounce-back spot after his quiet season opener.
Sep 18, 2026 1:15 PM EST
Puka Nacua Delivers Modest Production Despite High Target Share
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught five of his nine targets for 74 receiving yards during Thursday's Week 1 loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. The final output is nothing to scoff at, but it didn't quite live up to the standards that Nacua set during his elite campaign last year. He tallied 12.4 PPR points on Thursday, as opposed to his average of 23.4 PPR points per game in 2025. Along the way, Nacua finished as the overall WR1 last year, and he'll hope to defend that title in 2026. The good news for Nacua's manager is that Thursday's modest performance wasn't exactly his fault. He made some great plays, including a big 41-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter, and his fantasy output would have been higher if not for the iffy quarterback play of Matthew Stafford (and the offense's performance as a whole). We still view Nacua as a high-end WR1 for the rest of the season.
Sep 10, 2026 9:20 PM EST
Puka Nacua's Quest to Defend WR1 Title Begins Thursday in Australia
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua finished as the overall WR1 in PPR leagues last season, and he'll look to replicate his elite campaign in 2026. He kicks off his season on Thursday in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers. We're expecting this 49ers pass defense to look somewhat similar to last year, which means Nacua should have no trouble finishing as a high-end WR1 this week. After all, the 2025 49ers allowed the 14th-most fantasy points, ninth-most catches, and 11th-most receiving yards to wide receivers. Nacua totaled 15 catches, 149 yards, and two touchdowns across his two games against the Niners last year. Potential discipline could await Nacua later in the season as the league continues to investigate his off-field conduct, but for now, he's a full-go in Week 1. He ranks as a high-end WR1 with a high ceiling and high floor.
Sep 10, 2026 5:19 AM EST
Puka Nacua Not Listed on Rams' Initial Week 1 Injury Report
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is not listed on his team's initial injury report ahead of its season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. Nacua dealt with a psoas muscle injury towards the end of the preseason, but it appears that he is fully ready to go heading into Week 1. The 25-year-old put together a dominant season in 2025, recording 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets across 16 games. Across the first 44 games of his professional career, Nacua is the NFL's all-time leader in receiving yards per game (95.3). As long as he's on the field, Nacua profiles as an elite fantasy wide receiver who could finish the year as the overall WR1.
Sep 8, 2026 4:34 PM EST
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