Puka Nacua officially inactive for Week 2 vs. NYG

The Rams will announce their inactives 90 minutes before kickoff, but this is now the second time in two days that Schefter has suggested Nacua will not suit up tonight. Schefter said the team is “not giving up hope” that Nacua could still suit up, but also added, “it doesn’t sound promising right now.” If Nacua is unable to go in Week 2, Davante Adams would be an obvious favorite to see an increase in targets, while running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum could also get more involved as the Rams look for ways to move the ball against a Giants team that gave the Cowboys’ offense fits in Week 1.

Schefter said on Sunday NFL Countdown that Nacua is more likely to be sidelined on Monday against the Giants than he is to suit up and play through his groin injury. It would be a massive blow to the Rams offense, which would likely be more run-heavy if Nacua is out against the Giants. That could mean a big workload for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Terrance Ferguson, who ran a route on just 41 percent of the Rams’ drop backs in Week 1, could see a slightly bigger role if Nacua is sidelined.

Nacua was added to the injury report on Friday as a DNP. He failed to get in any reps on Saturday but still received the questionable designation. Given that the game is on Monday, fantasy managers won’t have many contingency options left. With Jordan Whittington also expected to miss Week 2, the Rams’ No. 2 receiver will be either Konata Mumpfield or Xavier Smith if Nacua doesn’t suit up. Both players would be WR5/6 options in the event of a Nacua absence.

Nacua did not practice for the second consecutive day Saturday, prompting the questionable designation for Monday Night Football. The issue is now being called a groin ailment and is reportedly unrelated to the psoas injury he dealt with during the offseason. Fantasy managers will want to start making alternate plans for their first-round pick considering the Rams don’t play until the final game of the week. Jordan Whittington is listed as doubtful with a quad injury.

This could be related to the groin and psoas issues Nacua dealt with in August and earlier this month. The Rams’ star wide receiver has an extra day to get this figured out, but it is a tad concerning. For now, make backup plans. It is possible that Nacua is unable to play in Week 2 against the Giants on Monday night. Nacua’s direct backup, WR Jordan Whittington (quad), also missed practice on Friday.

Nacua did bring in a 41-yard connection in the first half, but outside of that, it was a disappointing first effort to the season for one of the best wideouts in the game. It’s tough to blame much — if any — of it on Nacua, as Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ passing attack were completely shut down by the 49ers’ defense. All things considered, it could have been worse. Nacua remains near the top of the wideout rankings for Week 2 against the Giants.

This, of course, is in reference to the civil lawsuit that was filed against Nacua that alleges he bit a woman and made an “unprovoked antisemitic sentiment.” The Rams receiver avoided being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list and will travel with the team to Australia to play in their season opener against the 49ers. Nacua has been dealing with a psoas injury since August, but head coach Sean McVay said they expect him to play in Week 1. Nacua profiles as a high-end WR1 against a familiar foe in the Niners.

McVay’s comments also relate to Nacua’s status with the league office. The 25-year-old wide receiver was at one point thought to be a suspension candidate, but the league has made no such ruling while doling out suspensions and Commissioner Exempt List placements elsewhere in the league. Rams LT Alaric Jackson was also a suspension candidate, but is expected to play in Week 1, per McVay. His presence positively impacts the Rams’ passing game outlook. Assuming he is active, Nacua can be treated as an elite WR1.

Nacua had been dealing with psoas soreness in August, working off to the side or missing Rams practices for most of the month. He returns to practice Sunday and should not be in danger of missing any regular season time due to the injury. With news that Nacua will avoid the commissioner’s exempt list, he is still a good bet to go in the middle of the first round in fantasy drafts.

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