The Los Angeles Rams are preparing to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7 to close the NFL’s slate of London games for the 2025 season.
The Rams may be down one of their top offensive weapons, Puka Nacua, when they do so.
Nacua is dealing with an ankle injury that caused him to miss about half of the Rams’ Week 6 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 24-year-old attempted to return to the game after initially exiting but wasn’t able to remain on the field.
Here’s what to know about Nacua’s injury and whether fans should expect him to suit up Sunday.
Puka Nacua injury update
Nacua is dealing with an ankle sprain he suffered in the Rams’ 17-3 Week 6 win over the Ravens. He was able to briefly return to the contest after suffering the injury, but he did not finish the game.
Nacua’s injury isn’t expected to be of the long-term variety, but he was unable to participate in Rams practice on either Wednesday or Thursday ahead of their Week 7. That may make it difficult for him to suit up for the team’s London clash with the Jaguars.
Is Puka Nacua playing Week 7?
As of Thursday, the Rams hadn’t yet made a determination about Nacua’s status for Sunday’s game.
However, coach Sean McVay implied during a Wednesday news conference it would be difficult – though not impossible – for Nacua to suit up in Week 7 if he does not practice at all.
‘There’s a difference between return to play, return to performance,’ McVay said in a news conference Wednesday. ‘You want to put him in a position to have successful outcomes. I do think some of that is reflected in is he able to go through practice and really get a good feel to allow him to feel comfortable and confident in what we would be asking if he goes.’
As such, Nacua will have one more chance to get on the field Friday. If he doesn’t, the Rams may rule him out for Sunday’s game, especially with the team’s Week 8 bye looming.
McVay expressed confidence his receiving corps would be able to hold up if Nacua is unable to play.
‘You don’t ever replace a stud like him, but we’ve got a lot of confidence in the other guys if that’s the case,’ McVay said.
Rams WR depth chart
The Rams presently have six receivers on their 53-man roster, including Nacua. They are as follows:
Puka Nacua
Davante Adams
Jordan Whittington
Tutu Atwell
Konata Mumpfield
Xavier Smith
Adams would be thrust into the No. 1 receiver role if Nacua is out of action while Whittington and Atwell would also be in line for more targets.
The Rams also have undrafted rookies Tru Edwards and Brennan Presley on the practice squad and could call one up for Sunday’s game if Nacua can’t play.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter. Check out the latest edition: Your ultimate guide to NFL Week 7.
