Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua returns for Sunday’s Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles but is expected to play on a stricter snap count. Nacua missed the past two games with hip and groin injuries Yahoo Sports.
The Los Angeles Rams are getting their star wide receiver back for a challenging road game in Philadelphia, but they are proceeding with caution. Puka Nacua has cleared the injury report and carries no game status designation for Sunday’s contest, according to the official team injury report.
After missing consecutive games against the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos, Nacua is back on the active roster. Yet his return to the field comes with a restriction on his workload.
Tom Pelissero reported that Nacua may operate under a stricter snap count than usual against the Eagles. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged that managing the receiver’s conditioning during game action remains the primary hurdle. Nacua practiced all three days this week. Safety Kamren Kinchens likewise returns without an injury designation after missing the previous two contests due to a hamstring issue.
Sean McVay Evaluates Nacua’s Practice Workload
The Rams coaching staff spent the week evaluating how well their top pass catcher moved during heavy practice installations. McVay expressed confidence in what he observed from the receiver during Thursday’s workout session.
“Physically, he’s getting in and out of his breaks, looks strong, looks sturdy, looks explosive. I think it’ll really just be a feel for the overall conditioning. Hoping the magic of the jersey on Sundays, he’s feeling really good there.”
Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams
That explosive movement was missing over the last fortnight as Nacua dealt with groin soreness and hip discomfort. The injury first flared up after the season-opening loss in Australia, where he hauled in five passes for 74 yards before being forced to watch from the sideline.
Davante Adams and the Receiving Core Carry the Load
While Nacua recovered, Davante Adams stepped into a featured role within the passing attack. Adams recorded 332 receiving yards over the past two weeks. Konata Mumpfield also stepped up against the Broncos.
Coming off a 2025 campaign where he led the league with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, Nacua remains quarterback Matthew Stafford’s target. Reintegrating him gives the Rams an immediate boost as they try to climb back above .500 from a 1-2 record, with a matchup awaiting them in Week 5 when they host the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.
Aaron Donald Ruled Out Alongside Multiple Star Deficiencies
Defensive star Aaron Donald has been ruled out with a back issue that flared up following the Denver game. The 35-year-old unretired this offseason to rejoin the franchise but is now forced to miss his second game of the season. His resume features a Super Bowl victory, 10 Pro Bowl selections, and eight first-team All-Pro nods alongside 111 career sacks and 547 tackles over 11 seasons.
“He’s as tough as it gets, just not feeling good enough. And I think it would be irresponsible on my part — and obviously talking with Reggie — to ask him. He would do it and he could probably go be productive, but part of our job is to protect these tough dudes like him from themselves.”
Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams
The team also ruled out tight end Terrance Ferguson due to an ankle injury and cornerback Jaylen Watson due to a dislocated shoulder. Tight end Colby Parkinson carries a questionable tag due to knee and shoulder concerns after not practicing Wednesday through Friday, while outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart is questionable with a groin injury. The defensive line depth is further strained by the absence of Myles Garrett, who remains on injured reserve following knee surgery after Week 1. Los Angeles will rely on Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske for interior pressure, while Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, and Wesley Bailey fill the edge rusher roles against an Eagles team that rallied from a 26-7 deficit last season to defeat the Rams 33-26, with kickoff set for Sunday in Philadelphia.
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