Los Angeles Rams‘ top receiver Puka Nacua has missed the last two games, but Davante Adams has responded with back-to-back 100-yard performances for the Rams. Matthew Stafford still made it clear that replacing Nacua is about far more than finding another receiver to catch passes.
“It’s different,” Stafford said on the Let’s Go podcast. “I mean, obviously he’s a big time player in this league. He’s a huge part of our offense when he’s healthy and available to be out there. I got so much love and respect for that guy and what he goes through and how he’s trying to, you know, fight tooth and nail to get himself back out there, which I appreciate.”
That absence could disappear on Sunday, as Nacua returned to practice this week and was officially listed without a game-status designation on Friday, with Rams coach Sean McVay saying the receiver “will” play against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Nacua has been sidelined since the season opener because of a hip and groin issue. He caught five passes for 74 yards against the San Francisco 49ers before missing the next two games, forcing Stafford and the Rams to adjust their passing game.
Adams has handled much of that burden. He has produced 332 receiving yards over the last two games, including 137 yards against the Denver Broncos last Sunday. Konata Mumpfield also emerged as a significant option, catching three consecutive passes on a fourth-quarter drive against Denver before finishing it with a 48-yard touchdown.
Even with those performances, Stafford does not view Nacua as simply another target returning to the lineup.
“Puka Nacua is one of the best receivers in the NFL,” Stafford said. “When he’s not out there, obviously it’s a difference maker for us, just the way he plays, his energy and all that.”
That energy is particularly important inside the huddle. Stafford said Nacua’s passion affects the entire offense, giving the quarterback another reason to be excited about his return beyond the production that comes with having one of the league’s top receivers available.
“His passion rubs off on everybody in the huddle,” Stafford said. He also called Nacua a “great player, both with the football and also without it.”
The Rams have needed that presence while dealing with a 1-2 start. They blew a 16-point halftime lead against Denver last week and eventually lost 30-26 after the Broncos scored a late touchdown.
Los Angeles also struggled to sustain its offense after a strong first half. The Rams gained 273 yards before halftime but managed only 19 yards in the third quarter, while Stafford was sacked four times and hit repeatedly.
Nacua’s return does not automatically solve those problems, but it gives Stafford another proven player defenses have to account for.
The 25-year-old is coming off a huge 2025 campaign in which he recorded 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. His absence has also allowed Adams to become the clear focal point of the passing attack, something that could change once both receivers share the field again.
McVay said Nacua handled his practice workload well and that the Rams would still have to manage his snaps in Philadelphia. Nacua said returning to practice had been exciting after spending two weeks watching his teammates from the sideline.
For Stafford, the quarterback is simply happy to see his receiver getting closer to full strength.
“I know that him and the trainers are doing everything they possibly can and he’s working just like he always does,” Stafford said. “… So just proud of his effort and know he’s doing everything he can to get out there.”
The Rams now get a chance to see what their offense looks like with Nacua back in the huddle, even if his workload is limited. After relying heavily on Adams and getting an unexpected boost from Mumpfield, Los Angeles will have another major piece available as it tries to recover from its 1-2 start.