Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is officially out for Monday Night Football.
UPDATE:
The Rams have officially made Jordan Whittington and Puka Nacua inactive, while linebackers Omar Speights and Nate Landman are officially active.
The Los Angeles Rams' offense just got hit hard as wide receiver Puka Nacua will not be active against the New York Giants.
Nacua appeared on the injury report with a hip issue on Friday, and he missed both that day and Saturday's practice. While he was labeled as questionable, it appears the Rams would rather play it safe with their star receiver.
Nacua had a solid Week 1 performance, despite Los Angeles struggling on both sides of the ball. He turned five receptions into 74 yards and led the team in total yards.
With Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford looking uncharacteristically inaccurate, Nacua might have also had a much bigger day in terms of production.
Nacua initially dealt with a psoas injury, which is a groin ailment. That appears to have now impacted his hip in a significant way, as he will miss the Giants game.
With Nacua out, Stafford will lean heavily on veteran leader Davante Adams.
The word has also not gotten out on whether or not fellow receiver Jordan Whittington will be available, as he is currently doubtful with a quad injury.
With the potential that Whittington will join Nacua as out, this leaves Adams, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, CJ Daniels, and presumably Tutu Atwell getting a bigger role in the Giants game.
The Rams did not elevate anyone but linebacker Elias Neal, which means they will move forward with the current receivers they have on the depth chart.
The linebacker room might also be in a bit of trouble, as Neal was elevated to add more depth, but his elevation could also point to an issue with Omar Speights or Nate Landman.
Neal might simply be depth, as both starters are dealing with injuries, but Landman might also be someone to watch for when inactives are released.
Landman has been dealing with a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 1, and was limited through practice. He does not have a game status currently, but Neal being elevated does come with some concern.
If Landman cannot play, along with Nacua, the Rams would have lost two key players ahead of their matchup.
The good news is that Monday Night Football will feature the return of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.
