Rams share Puka Nacua updates for Broncos game, injured reserve

During a Thursday ESPN Los Angeles appearance, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay acknowledged that wide receiver Puka Nacua was "not making great progress" in his attempt to return from the groin issue that prevented Nacua from playing in the Rams' win over the New York Giants on Sept. 21.

While speaking with reporters on Friday, McVay shared an expected update regarding Nacua's status for the Rams' game at the 1-1 Denver Broncos this coming Sunday night. 

Does Puka Nacua have a chance of playing against the Broncos? 

Per Sarah Barshop of ESPN, McVay confirmed that Nacua would not practice on Friday and will be listed as doubtful for the Denver game. Assuming Nacua doesn't play this Sunday, the Denver defense will be able to focus its efforts on limiting what Rams wide receiver Davante Adams does in the prime-time matchup. Adams torched the Giants to the tune of eight receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns. 

Is there a chance that Puka Nacua goes on injured reserve? 

McVay previously suggested that Nacua could be dealing with something like a "pre-hernia," which understandably sparked concerns that the 25-year-old could potentially land on injured reserve. It sounds like the Rams have avoided a worst-case scenario regarding Nacua's setback, as Barshop noted that "McVay said there is no consideration to putting Nacua on IR with his hip/groin injury." 

McVay added that the "expectation" is that, barring a setback, Nacua will be good to go for Week 4. Following this coming weekend, the Rams will play at the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 4.

According to Nate Atkins of The Athletic, McVay also said that tight end Colby Parkinson is questionable with a knee injury but "is trending in the right direction" to play against Denver. Over the first two games of the campaign, Parkinson tallied just three receptions for 21 yards. 

As of Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 1-1 Rams as 2.5-point road favorites against the Broncos.