The Los Angeles Rams rebounded in a big way in Week 2, knocking off the then-1-0 New York Giants 28-6, without Puka Nacua. Nacua missed the game with a hip injury, and Davante Adams took full advantage, going for 195 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 162 rushing yards, and the offense was humming under Matthew Stafford, who finished 22 of 31 for 327 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.
Still, while the offense flowed without Nacua, everyone's waiting for the All-Pro receiver to make his return. Unfortunately, that might not happen this week. During a recent interview with ESPN Los Angeles, Rams head coach Sean McVay provided a troubling update on Nacua's recovery.
"We'll see," McVay said bluntly on his status for Week 3. "He's not making great progress. We'd love to welcome Puka back with open arms, but if not, I've got a ton of confidence in the group we will go with if he doesn't go." More news: Ben Johnson Gives Ringing Endorsement of Bears’ Likely ‘MNF’ Starter Rarely does McVay show his cards this much.
While he didn't explicitly say Nacua would miss the game, his tone suggests things are heading in that direction, and there may even be some tension between him and the organization. They haven't said as much, but McVay isn't the type who would. It's speculation, but he doesn't sound like a coach thrilled with what he's seeing from the young wideout.
The Rams showed in Week 2 that they don't need Nacua to dominate on offense. Adams may be 33 years old, but he proved he's still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and the Rams have enough depth at the position, as well as an ascending Terrance Ferguson, to make it work without Nacua. It doesn't help that he's dealt with off-field issues over the past year and is pushing for a new contract.
More news: Browns Insider Predicts Shedeur Sanders Won’t Be on the Roster for Much Longer More news: Giants Dealt Massive Blow as Jaxson Dart Set for Season-Ending Surgery Nacua is still one of the best wideouts of this generation, having gone for 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games last season. But McVay has made clear the team is prepared to move forward with or without him. The Rams head to Denver to face the Broncos on Sunday night before matchups against the Eagles, Bills, and Cardinals.
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