A problem for the Rams: Puka Nacua dealing with hip issue, doubtful for Giants game

The focus at the Los Angeles Rams is once again on the health of one of their key receivers. Puka Nacua is dealing with hip pain and did not take part in Friday’s practice; he is also expected to miss Saturday’s session, while his participation in Monday’s game against the New York Giants remains unclear.

As NFL reports, coach Sean McVay said Nacua is considered doubtful for Monday’s game and that he is suffering from discomfort in the hip area linked to inner groin pain — different from the psoas issue that forced him to miss time during training camp. McVay confirmed Nacua was surprisingly a non-participant on Friday and will stay out of Saturday’s practice as well.

Nacua was the Rams’ only player to show significant production in the season-opening loss to the 49ers, recording five catches for 74 yards, including a 41-yard catch; no other teammate surpassed 30 yards. If the two-time Pro Bowl selection misses out or has reduced minutes, Davante Adams is expected to take on more responsibility as the reference point on offense.

McVay also mentioned that Jordan Whittington is doubtful with a quad issue, while available names include Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, CJ Daniels and Tutu Atwell, as well as a deep tight end group led by Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson. Aaron Donald plans to make his season debut on Monday after returning from a two-year break, and the game against the Giants kicks off at 20:15 ET; it remains to be seen whether Nacua will be ready to play, according to NFL.