Puka Nacua Expected To Play In Week 4

Nacua dealt with a separate hip issue during the preseason, but he returned to lead the Rams in catches (five) and yards (74) in Week 1. The two-time All-Pro has missed two games since then – a win over the Giants and a loss to the Broncos – but he practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and is trending upward heading into Week 4.

With the Rams off to a 1-2 start and the Eagles looking shaky despite a 2-1 record, this is an importantly early season matchup between two prospective NFC contenders. They met last year in Week 3 in Philadelphia, where the Eagles prevailed, 33-26, in exhilarating fashion. Nacua had a big game, though, as he hauled in 11 of 15 targets for 112 yards. Rams No. 2 receiver Davante Adams had a decent day then (three catches, 56 yards and a touchdown), but the 33-year-old was spectacular during Nacua’s absence over the past couple of weeks. He roasted New York and Denver for a total of 15 grabs, 332 yards and a pair of scores.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford and his two star wideouts may be able to take advantage of a Philadelphia defense that has struggled to find answers at safety. Although talented, the Eagles’ secondary turned in a dreadful performance in a 27-7 loss to the Bears on Monday night. Making his first start since 2023, journeyman third-string QB Case Keenum went 24 of 34 for 247 yards and two TDs.

Turning to the Rams’ defense, it does not appear cornerback Jaylen Watson will be available this week. McVay announced that Watson dislocated his shoulder last Sunday, but the Rams are not planning to place him on IR (via Sarah Barshop of ESPN). He didn’t participate in practice on Wednesday.

The former Chief, whom the Rams brought in on a three-year, $51MM deal in free agency, started alongside ex-Kansas City teammate Trent McDuffie in his first three games with L.A. While logging a 73.68% defensive snap share (second to McDuffie among Rams corners), Watson has notched 10 tackles and three pass breakups. Watson’s limited availability in Denver (19 snaps) left Emmanuel Forbes and Josh Wallace as the Rams’ top boundary options behind the versatile McDuffie, who split time between the outside and the slot.