Puka Nacua Doubtful For Broncos, Groin Surgery Still An Option But Quick Return Expected

Puka Nacua has already missed one game because of a groin injury, and the Rams are preparing to play another without their leading receiver. Los Angeles still believes the problem will be short-term, but the latest update explains why the team is being careful with his recovery.

Nacua is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos after missing every practice this week. Sean McVay previously said he expected Nacua to return against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 if there were no setbacks.

Puka Nacua’s Groin Injury Has Added a New Concern

Adam Schefter reported Sunday that Puka Nacua’s main problem has been his groin, which has affected his explosiveness. According to Schefter, Nacua can function on the field but does not feel able to play with the same explosiveness he had before the injury.

The Rams still believe Nacua will return sooner rather than later. However, Schefter reported that surgery is “not entirely off the table” if the receiver does not show signs of improvement.

The report added that nobody around the team expects surgery to become the eventual path. That keeps the focus on Nacua’s recovery and a possible return in the near future.

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is doubtful for Sunday night’s game at Denver but could return as soon as next week against the Eagles, has been dealing with mainly a groin injury that has impacted his explosiveness, per league sources. Functinally, Nacua can play, but he has… pic.twitter.com/odi11NFcic

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2026

The Eagles game remains the next major checkpoint. Nacua could return in Week 4, but his progress over the next several days will determine whether that target remains realistic.

Rams Have Already Taken a Cautious Approach

The problem first appeared on the injury report before the Rams’ Week 2 game against the New York Giants. The team listed Nacua with a hip injury, but McVay clarified that the receiver was dealing with groin soreness. Nacua ultimately missed the game.

The same issue has kept him out of every practice before the Denver matchup. The Rams officially listed him as doubtful, making a second straight absence likely.

Los Angeles has a good reason to be patient. Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Those numbers show how important he is to the Rams’ passing game.

Nacua also opened this season with five catches for 74 yards against San Francisco. However, the Rams showed they could still produce without him when Davante Adams caught eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 2 win over New York.

For now, the situation remains focused on recovery rather than surgery. The Rams expect Nacua to return soon, with the Philadelphia game currently serving as the target.

The Los Angeles Rams want to avoid surgery for Puka Nacua, but that option remains on the table if his groin does not improve. The next few days will determine whether the star wide receiver can stay on track to play in Week 4. A lack of progress in his recovery will force the team to reconsider a surgical procedure.

More NFL News:

• Caleb Williams Sidelined, Bears’ QB Mystery Won’t Be Solved Until Monday Night

• NFL’s Hypocrisy Exposed As Players Are Fined For Mock Drinking While League Profits From Beer Sponsors

• Saquon Barkley And DeVonta Smith Cleared, But Eagles Lose Key Weapon Before Bears Game

• “One Of The Worst Trades Ever”: Sauce Gardner Hasn’t Won A Game In The U.S. In 644 Days Since Colts Trade 

• “We Gotta Keep This Quarterback”: Chiefs Star Opens His Wallet To Save Mississippi State QB From Transfer

The post Puka Nacua Doubtful For Broncos, Groin Surgery Still An Option But Quick Return Expected appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.