WOODLAND HILLS — The Rams got a big addition back on Wednesday when wide receiver Puka Nacua participated in practice in a limited capacity.
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“I do,” Rams coach Sean McVay said when asked whether he expects Nacua to play on Sunday when the Rams (1-2) play at the Philadelphia Eagles (2-1). “[He] had a good workout on Sunday and a good walkthrough just now. I’m excited to be able to have him back.”
Nacua has been dealing with injuries dating to training camp. The 2025 first-team All-Pro came into the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers with a psoas injury, but played through it. Since then, he’s missed two straight games with a lingering groin issue, but looks to be on track to suit up against the Eagles.
McVay welcomes the potential addition of Nacua back into an offense that is strikingly thin at the wide receiver spot.
“It adds a great football player that’s a huge part of our offense. It’s a big deal,” McVay said.
Davante Adams again stepped up in Nacua’s absence during the Rams’ 30-26 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday night. The veteran receiver hauled in seven catches for 137 yards and a touchdown, giving him consecutive games of 100-plus receiving yards for the first time since the 2024 season.
Nacua’s absence has created additional opportunities for Konata Mumpfield. The 2025 seventh-round draft pick had a big game in Denver, reeling in four catches for a career-high 93 yards and a touchdown.
“I think it was great for him. Repetition is the mother of learning. Getting that experience is conscientious like I talked about. Always learning, great route runner, great separator. Just a really good football player,” McVay said. “He’s a Ram through and through, we’re grateful to be able to have him.”
Adams, the veteran leader of the position group, praised Mumpfield’s effort and attention to detail.
“He works hard,” Adams said. “He’s one of the most attentive young players I’ve been around as far as getting better and understanding the details of the position … he plays X, F, Z. He literally plays every position. There’s not a lot of players that are able to do that, let alone get asked to do that by a coach like Sean.”
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Mumpfield is appreciative of the trust and support he’s received from key figures in the locker room like McVay, Adams, and quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“Just trying to build like that routine and consistency day in and day out,” he said. “Sunday, they put me in a great position to go out there and make those plays. I appreciate the trust from Matthew and Coach McVay. Just the guys in general.
“So being able to go out there and execute on a big-time platform, like, it means the world to me.”
INJURY REPORT
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald did not practice on Wednesday due to a sore back.
McVay mentioned that at this stage, the team is being precautionary. He did not go as far as to say the 35-year-old Donald, who came out of retirement to rejoin the team in August, would miss the upcoming game against the Eagles.
“We’re just taking it a day at a time,” McVay said. “I wouldn’t say anything of that nature yet. I think his back is a little sore and he’s as tough as it gets. I’ll continue to add updates as the week goes.” …
Also limited during Wednesday’s practice was safety Kamren Kinchens. He’s missed the past two games. Kinchens would provide some much-needed relief in the secondary for a Rams’ defense that lost cornerback Jaylen Watson to a dislocated shoulder in the loss to Denver. …
Tight ends Terrence Ferguson and Colby Parkinson did not practice, opening the door for rookie Max Klare to potentially get extended opportunities on Sunday.
“Being able to play with multiple tight ends is part of our identity,” McVay said. “I’ve seen a guy that maximized a lot of opportunities during practice … got a lot better through the course of camp. Hasn’t taken a lot of reps because the top four guys being available. This week will represent the opportunity to get some reps and get some good game-time action for us.”
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