LOS ANGELES — Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is doubtful to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night, head coach Sean McVay said before practice on Friday.
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Nacua, who is dealing with a groin injury he suffered in practice before the Rams’ Week 2 win over the Giants, did not practice at all this week. On Wednesday, McVay described the All-Pro receiver’s symptoms as being similar to something someone would have before the injury developed into a hernia, though McVay did clarify that Nacua does not in fact have a hernia.
The hope is that after missing two games Nacua will be able to return to play for the Rams (1-1) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, McVay said Friday, adding that injured reserve is not a consideration.
“If he doesn’t go this week, the expectations are unless there’s a setback then he’ll be good for next week,” McVay said. “There’s a lot of guys that I have confidence in to be able to step up in his absence. It’s a great challenge, he’s obviously a good football player for us, but there’s a lot of good football players that we have.”
Davante Adams sucked up much of the target share in Nacua’s absence against the Giants. No other Rams receiver was targeted more than twice or made more than one catch against New York.
Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase said he did feel the group’s impact in the run game, highlighting blocks from Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith.
“Those things from those guys, when you can lean on them in those moments, it allows you to do more,” Scheelhaase said.
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The Rams will get some additional help against the Broncos (1-1), however, with receiver Jordan Whittington (quad) expected to return after a one-game absence.
“Which is big,” McVay added.
Tight end Colby Parkinson (knee) was scheduled to participate in Friday’s jog-through after not practicing the first two days of the week, with the hope that he’ll be good to go against the Broncos.
“He’s trending in the right direction,” McVay said.
Safety Kam Kinchens (hamstring) will be listed as doubtful against the Broncos and looks poised to miss his second straight game.
Rising tide
With Ronnie Rivers on injured reserve, the Rams will elevate rookie running back Dean Connors from the practice squad for Sunday’s game, McVay said.
Connors impressed during the preseason with 149 scrimmage yards and three receiving touchdowns after going undrafted out of Houston. But his role against the Broncos will be limited strictly to special teams and emergency third running back, with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum still poised to get all the carries barring an injury.
“He’s done a good job. It’s a [special teams] thing that really put it over the top,” McVay said. “I feel really good about both of those guys [Connors and Jordan Waters] if that’s what we were asked.”
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