Rams' Puka Nacua Gameplan Emerges After Sean McVay's Comments

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rams' Puka Nacua Gameplan Emerges After Sean McVay's Comments

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Oct 4, 2026 11:15 AM ET

Puka Nacua is set to return to the Los Angeles Rams’ lineup Sunday after missing the past two games with hip and groin injuries.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter , the Rams will enter their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles without plans to restrict Nacua’s workload in his first game back.

However, Nacua’s conditioning once the game begins and progresses could still affect how many snaps he ultimately plays.

“The Los Angeles Rams do not intend to limit Puka Nacua’s workload Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, sources told ESPN,” Schefter wrote. “Nacua has missed Los Angeles’ last two games because of an injury to his hip and groin.”

Sources: Rams do not intend to limit Puka Nacua’s workload today vs. the Eagles.https://t.co/HJK7XxVZ47
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 4, 2026

Schefter reported that the groin issue had primarily affected Nacua’s explosiveness. The Rams viewed the injury as a short-term problem that they didn’t believe would require surgery.

Nacua practiced all week and carries no injury designation into Sunday’s game. Rams coach Sean McVay discussed the receiver’s status after Thursday’s practice, acknowledging that Los Angeles may have to adjust his usage depending on how he handles the game.

“In terms of the snap count, that’s the thing that we have to be willing to navigate,” McVay said. “But we’ve got confidence in some other guys that have played meaningful snaps in his absence. But he does look good. He looks strong, and he looks ready to go.”

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Nacua’s return will give Matthew Stafford a much-needed alternative to veteran Davante Adams, who totaled 332 receiving yards over the past two games.

Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions in 2025 while recording 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, and had five receptions for 74 yards in the Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

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The Rams face the Eagles on Sunday in Philadelphia at 1 p.m. ET before hosting the Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football” in Week 5.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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