Puka Misses Wed; McVay Says No Hernia

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua missed Wednesday practice with the same hip/groin issue that kept him out of Monday night's win over the New York Giants, and coach Sean McVay said the injury is not a hernia while stressing a cautious approach ahead of Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos. ESPN's Sarah Barshop relayed McVay's line that time is usually what lets the injury heal, and that once it reaches a certain point the staff feels better moving forward.

That Wednesday DNP is the board. Soft fantasy note only: do not invent a Sunday lock after another sit. Nacua still has Thursday and Friday practices before the Broncos kickoff. Another miss tilts the week toward Davante Adams carrying the room again.

Rams fans already watched Adams torch the Giants for eight catches, 195 yards, and two touchdowns while Matthew Stafford threw for 327 yards and four scores. That tape proves Los Angeles can win without Nacua for a night. It does not replace Nacua's volume over a full season. He opened the year with five catches for 74 yards in Australia against San Francisco before the hip/groin shut him down for Week 2.

Hermia rumors floated into the midweek noise. McVay shut that door. Erring on caution is the real sentence. September health for a receiver who led the league in receptions last year matters more than forcing him into one Broncos Sunday if the groin is still hot.

Two practices remain before the final report. McVay did not stamp Nacua out, and he did not stamp him in. The Wednesday sit after a Monday inactive is the yellow light, not the green one.

Denver on Sunday Night Football is a different test than a Giants defense that lost its quarterback early. The Rams want both Adams and Nacua if the groin allows it. If Wednesday's caution becomes Friday's limitation, Adams becomes the feature again and Nacua's return slides.

Hip and groin injuries punish impatience. McVay said the quiet part out loud: time first, then confidence. That is the Wednesday story for Rams fans chasing Week 3 clarity.

Receiver board

Nacua: hip/groin. DNP Wednesday. Not a hernia per McVay. Week 3 vs Broncos unsure.

Missed Week 2 vs Giants. Opener: 5 catches, 74 yards in Australia.

If he sits again: Adams is the proven centerpiece after 8/195/2 on MNF.

Fan closer

No hernia is the good news. Another Wednesday sit is the warning. Check Friday before you trust the groin.