Rams rookie WR Puka Nacua misses practice with injury ahead of Week 2 matchup with 49ers
The Los Angeles Rams are in the midst of a pretty extensive rebuild. That didn’t stop them from going into Seattle and trouncing the Seahawks 30-13 in the season opener. Their surprising showing in the Pacific Northwest was thanks in large part to a stellar performance from rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua, who looked primed to be the team’s No. 1 pass catcher again vs. the 49ers in Week 2.
However, Nacua’s status for Week 2 is now in question after he showed up on the Rams practice report as a non-participant because of an oblique injury.
It’s unclear exactly when the injury occurred, but he wasn’t on the participation report Wednesday which indicates the ailment is new.
A midweek addition to the practice report doesn’t necessarily preclude a player from playing. The 49ers saw cornerback Charvarius Ward miss a Thursday session in Week 1 because of a heel injury before suiting up Sunday.
If Nacua can’t go it leaves the Rams woefully short on offensive weapons. Their run game amassed only 92 rushing yards on 40 carries. WR Tutu Atwell had 119 receiving yards to match Nacua in Week 1, but aside from that their stable of pass catchers isn’t particularly dynamic.
Friday’s injury report should give more insight into just how bad the oblique injury is for the rookie fifth-round pick. The game is already set to be an uphill climb for Los Angeles, and that climb would only get steeper if Nacua winds up missing the game.
