Full Breakdown
Puka Nacua Misses Another Preseason Practice Amid Core Muscle Injury
8/18/2026, 12:02:32 AM
Core Event: Injury Keeps Nacua Off the Field
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was again absent from the team’s Monday practice session as he continues to recover from a core muscle injury. The injury occurred during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys the previous week, and Nacua has not taken the field since that incident.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Sean McVay indicated that he expects Nacua to rejoin practice later in the current week, signaling optimism about a short-term recovery. In the same practice, defensive end Myles Garrett, the Rams’ high-profile trade acquisition and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, also sat out due to swelling in his knee.
Background & Context
Nacua is a central component of the Rams’ offense, which is directed by reigning league MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford. In the prior season, Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions, accumulating 1,715 receiving yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. The Rams opened their preseason with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and are scheduled to face the New Orleans Saints in their next preseason contest.
Data & Statistics
Impact on Preseason Outlook
Nacua’s continued absence limits the Rams’ ability to run their full offensive repertoire in practice, potentially affecting timing and chemistry ahead of the upcoming preseason game against the Saints. The team’s coaching staff remains hopeful of his return within the week, while also managing Garrett’s knee issue, both of which are key to the Rams’ defensive and offensive preparations.
