Puka Nacua injury update: Rams star wideout expected to be a game-time decision, but is reportedly 'trending in the wrong direction' due to hip and groin injuries

Coming off a surprising loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, the Los Angeles Rams need to bounce back against the New York Giants in Week 2 to live up to their status as Super Bowl contenders. But that task could prove difficult, as star wideout Puka Nacua will reportedly be a game-time decision who is " trending in the wrong direction " for Monday's game due to hip and groin injuries, per ESPN.

After a modest performance in the team's 27-7 loss to the 49ers, in which he caught five passes for 74 yards, Nacua was able to get on the practice field Thursday. But the wideout unexpectedly did not practice Friday, with head coach Sean McVay saying Nacua "didn't feel totally like himself" during Thursday's practice. The Rams eventually listed Nacua on the team's injury report with a hip issue.

After Nacua failed to practice Saturday, McVay added another ailment to the list, saying Nacua was dealing with "a little bit of soreness" to his groin, per ESPN. Despite not practicing both days, Nacua was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report.

While a questionable designation often results in a player trying to gut it out, McVay said Saturday that Nacua would be a true game-time decision in Week 2, per ESPN.

"Whether or not he plays is to be determined," McVay said. "And so we'll see how he's feeling."

It's a concerning development for Nacua, who — on top of playing Monday night — already had additional days to recover following the team's Week 1 game against the 49ers. That game aired Thursday night in the United States, giving Nacua a full 10 days to rest up for Week 2.

When healthy, Nacua is considered one of the best receivers in football. After gaining 1,715 receiving yards and scoring 10 touchdowns last season, Nacua was named a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career.

The 25-year-old has battled minor injuries and ailments since being drafted in 2023. A knee issue caused Nacua to miss five games in 2024 and an ankle issue forced him to miss a game last season. He's popped up on the injury report other times, but has usually played through issues.

Who would replace Puka Nacua for Rams in Week 2?

If Nacua is unable to go in Week 1, veteran Davante Adams would serve as the team's de-facto No. 1 option against the Giants. Jordan Whittingham and Tutu Atwell could also see increased snaps if Nacua is out. The team could also feature tight end Terrance Ferguson more as a pass catcher if Nacua is unable to do his usual middle-of-the-field work.

Regardless of Nacua's status, the Rams need to turn in a much better performance in Week 2. After a listless outing in Week 1, the Rams can't afford to open the year 0-2, not when the team entered the year as one of the Super Bowl favorites.