LOS ANGELES — Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua did not practice for the second consecutive day with a hip injury and will be questionable for Monday’s home opener against the New York Giants, coach Sean McVay said Saturday morning.
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Nacua’s hip injury is unrelated to the psoas (core/lower back) issue that the 25-year-old wideout dealt with through the latter stages of the preseason following the Rams’ joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 11, which Nacua left early.
“He’s got a little bit of soreness in that groin,” McVay said. “(We’re) being smart with him as a skill player. Whether or not he plays is to be determined. So we’ll see how he’s feeling. But he won’t practice today.”
Nacua felt good coming out of practice on Thursday, McVay said, but didn’t feel totally comfortable opening up at full speed.
Combined with his soreness, McVay added that they’re keeping a watchful eye over their All-Pro receiver. Nacua’s direct backup, Jordan Whittington, is also not practicing on Saturday and is doubtful with a quadriceps injury.
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Donald to play, other injuries for the Rams
In response to star defensive tackle Aaron Donald saying Friday that the plan was for him to make his return from retirement on Monday against the Giants, McVay had a quick response.
“If he said it, he’s going,” McVay said. “Whatever Aaron says, I support.”
McVay said that Donald has looked “really good” and that they’re excited for him to play.
Safety Kam Curl (ankle) and linebacker Nate Landman (shoulder) were limited for the Rams’ Saturday practice. Safety Kam Kinchens (hamstring) did not practice Saturday and is out for Monday’s game, while linebacker Omar Speights practiced in full Saturday.
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