Insider offers significant update on Puka Nacua injury

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Insider offers significant update on Puka Nacua injury

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Aug 11, 2026 11:05 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams can rest easy after learning star wide receiver Puka Nacua only suffered a minor injury in Tuesday's joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys.

After practice, Rams head coach Sean McVay offered no update on Nacua's status, sparking concern. Later, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the 2025 first-team All-Pro experienced minor groin soreness during the session and was removed as a precaution.

Rams avoiding terrible scenario after Puka Nacua injury update

Groin soreness is certainly irritating for Nacua. That said, it's much better than a torn one, which can be a season-ending injury.

The Rams could manage without Nacua. L.A. boasts a deep receiving corps that includes three-time first-team All-Pro Davante Adams as its No. 2 WR. Last season, he had 60 receptions for 789 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdown catches in 14 regular-season games.

#Rams WR Puka Nacua, who left practice while walking with a trainer, is dealing with minor soreness in his groin, I'm told. The team is just being cautious.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 11, 2026

Make no mistake, though, the Rams want 25-year-old Nacua to play all 17 games, especially after turning in one of the best years of his career. The 2023 fifth-round pick led the league in receptions (129) and receiving yards per game last season (107.2 in 16 games). His efforts helped quarterback Matthew Stafford win his first league MVP.

Nacua may be poised for another productive year as he eyes a contract extension. Spotrac estimates his market value at $40.2M annually over a four-year deal.

Nacua dominating again will help the Rams meet lofty expectations this season. L.A. is viewed as a heavy Super Bowl favorite after acquiring defensive end Myles Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, in an offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns. As of Tuesday night, DraftKings Sportsbooks lists the NFC West team's Super Bowl LXI odds at +550.

Nacua suffering a major injury would've thrown a wrench in L.A.'s plans. Luckily for the Rams, he avoided one.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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