Status for Rams' Puka Nacua 'trending down' ahead of 'MNF'

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

Status for Rams' Puka Nacua 'trending down' ahead of 'MNF'

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 20, 2026 12:39 PM ET

The 2026 NFL season has gotten off to a horrendous start for the Los Angeles Rams.

Not only will Los Angeles be without its best defensive player, Myles Garrett, ahead of "Monday Night Football" against the New York Giants, but it may be without its best offensive weapon as well.

Puka Nacua may not be available on Monday

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the chance for Rams star receiver Puka Nacua to play on Monday against the Giants is trending in the "wrong way."

Schefter reported early Sunday morning that Nacua would likely be a game-time decision on Monday, but it now appears that status is continuing to get worse as time goes on. Nacua is dealing with a hip injury that popped up in practice early in the week and has lingered on throughout the week.

Rams consider WR Puka Nacua, listed as questionable for Monday night’s game vs. the Giants due to a hip injury, to be a pre-game decision. pic.twitter.com/ksKmQ9WvUv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2026

Schefter: Puka Nacua (hip) trending in "wrong way" to play Week 2.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 20, 2026

All focus turns toward Davante Adams if Puka Nacua can't go

If the superstar Nacua can't go on Monday, the top option for Los Angeles will become Davante Adams. Adams, who led the NFL in touchdowns last season, collected just three catches for 26 yards in Week 1. Adams was not used in the red zone like he was last season, something that was odd to say with the Rams offense struggling like it was.

Nacua missed one game in 2025, a game that set up Adams to become the primary option. He did just that, collecting five catches for 35 yards with three touchdowns. That same kind of attention should be given to Adams on Monday if Nacua is forced to sit out and watch from the sidelines.

If quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn't get the ball to Adams, Los Angeles may be staring at a 0-2 start after entering the season as the consensus Super Bowl favorites.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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