Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is a major question mark for the team’s Week 7 clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. His availability is a concern stemming from an ankle injury suffered during their win over the Ravens. Although Nacua showed grit by returning to the field in the third quarter, he was visibly limited and did not record any grand stats. As fans question his return, an NFL injury expert has given his take.  

Sports physician Dr. Jesse Morse shed light on Nacua’s injury on his X account.

“The question is: Is he going to play in week 7? This is probably an ankle injury, not a foot, as they corrected later. My guess is it’s not a big deal. But the important thing to understand is, next week’s game, I believe, is in London. Long flight … is a huge deal. Very far… So I will be really surprised if they allow him to play next week. I have a feeling they’re going to hold him out, give him two weeks, and he’ll be good to go in week nine. Now that would be best best-case scenario,” said Dr. Morse. Judging by WR’s injury, this might be right.

The ailment was initially reported as a foot injury after Nacua landed awkwardly in the end zone. It was later clarified by Head Coach Sean McVay as an ankle issue. This less severe diagnosis is what allowed him to return to the game. Although Nacua showed grit by returning to the field in the third quarter, he was visibly limited. Dr. Morse also offered an update on what to expect if Nacua is available for next week.

“Is there a possibility he plays next week? Yes, but he’s gonna have a different production…increased reinjury risk, and this team does have playoff potential…have the week…by rest…come back in week 9 and finish strong,” he said.  The consensus, including Dr. Morse’s view, is that the high risk of aggravating the injury, coupled with the opportunity for a full two-week recovery, makes it highly unlikely the Rams will rush their breakout receiver back. The final decision will probably favor prioritizing the WR’s long-term health. What does coach McVay have to say about all this?

Sean McVay on Puka Nacua’s availability 

Rams head coach Sean McVay is noncommittal about Puka Nacua’s ankle injury, leaving his status for the upcoming London game against the Jacksonville Jaguars up in the air. When pressed for an update, McVay gave a lighthearted response.

“You think I know all of that stuff right now?” Initially, the response seemed dismissive. However, he followed up by stating the team was “being smart” with the star receiver, noting that Nacua could have “pressed through” the pain when he briefly re-entered the game against the Ravens. While the comment might suggest the team isn’t overly concerned about a long-term problem, it offers no firm confirmation on Nacua’s availability. His potential absence would be a major blow to the Rams’ offense.

Despite their 17-3 victory over the Ravens on Sunday, the team managed a paltry 241 total yards, struggling to move the ball even with Nacua playing early. Without their leading receiver, Matthew Stafford and the passing attack will have to lean far more heavily on veteran wideout Davante Adams to carry the load against the Jaguars in London in week 7.