Puka Nacua injury status for Broncos game gets curious update from Sean McVay
The Rams know they can win without Puka Nacua.They would much prefer to avoid making a habit of having to prove it.After navigating Monday night’s game against the Giants without their star wide receiver, the Rams are still waiting to learn whether Nacua will be available Sunday against the Broncos.Coach Sean McVay offered hope, but little certainty, when discussing his status.“I’m not sure what his status is as far as this next coming week,” McVay said.“I’m hopeful that he’ll play.”The Pro Bowl receiver surprisingly popped up on Friday’s injury report, with little known about the hip issue.
It ultimately cost him a shot at playing under the lights of MNF.For an offense still working toward its potential, Nacua’s return would represent a significant step toward putting all the pieces together.His absence leaves quarterback Matthew Stafford without one of his most trusted targets and McVay without a player who can influence both the passing game and the running game.The Rams found a convincing answer against the Giants in Davante Adams, who caught eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
It was a reminder that even without Nacua, Stafford has an accomplished receiver capable of taking over a game.But the appeal of pairing Adams with Nacua is making defenses account for both.The more attention opponents devote to one, the more opportunities should emerge for the other.Getting Nacua back would also help an offense that found plenty to clean up Monday, despite the victory.
Dropped passes, turnovers and missed opportunities kept the Rams from delivering the complete performance they believe is within reach.Nacua would not solve every problem.His presence, however, would give the Rams another way to attack defenses while reducing the burden on those who carried the offense against New York.For now, McVay’s approach is straightforward: Prepare for either possibility.“If he’s ready to go, great.
If not, then we’ll continue to roll.”Th...