Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua returned from a two-game absence to record nine catches for 125 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, amid revelations that he is managing a pre-hernia condition in his hip and groin area.
Puka Nacua stepped back onto the field for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 after missing two games with an injury that sidelined him following the season opener in a 24-20 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. In his return, the wide receiver hauled in nine receptions for 125 yards and rushed for a two-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Quarterback Matthew Stafford relied on his target during key moments, finding Nacua over the middle as defenders closed in.
“He’s such an energy spark for us,” Stafford said, according to ESPN. “Obviously, made some tough catches late in the game for us over the middle. Guys draped all over him. So he played like Puka to me.”
Matthew Stafford, via ESPN
Stafford added that Nacua delivered tough catches late in the contest while having players draped all over him. Nacua played 70 offensive snaps, accounting for 90.9% of his possible snaps, and reported that his hip and groin felt good throughout all four quarters. According to NFL NextGen Stats, he recorded 42 of his 125 yards after the catch, generating plus-18 yards after the catch over expected. Head coach Sean McVay noted that Nacua was really key and critical in crunch-time moments as Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mixed up coverages.
Nacua Manages Pre-Hernia Condition
Behind the scenes, the precise nature of the injury that kept Nacua out of wins and losses over the previous fortnight came into clearer view. While team officials initially pointed to a hip and groin issue stemming from training camp and an aggravation on September 17, broadcast reporting during the matchup revealed that Nacua is dealing with a pre-hernia, as explained by Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews.
The condition involves a weakness in the muscle wall designed to keep internal tissue from protruding. Although nothing has popped through to create a full hernia, the situation creates an ongoing risk of strain as Nacua accelerates and cuts on the field. Head coach Sean McVay previously acknowledged that some of the physical hurdles resembled a pre-hernia, and medical evaluations determined that surgery was not immediately necessary.
According to league reporting from Jonathan Jones of The Athletic via Sporting News, the Rams approached his return with caution while ensuring he entered game day with no intention of limiting his snaps, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, though his conditioning level remained a factor to monitor. Nacua said he expects to feel some soreness on the plane ride or the following day, but he felt good throughout all four quarters.
Rams Address Roster Shortages Against Philadelphia
The Rams also ruled out tight end Terrance Ferguson with an ankle injury and cornerback Jaylen Watson with a shoulder injury. In addition, tight end Colby Parkinson was listed as questionable with a knee and shoulder injury after missing all three practices, while linebacker and key special teams contributor Grant Stuard was questionable with a groin issue. Los Angeles also waived return specialist Xavier Smith on Friday following special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone’s public evaluation of the unit, and wide receiver Alex Bachman was expected to be called up from the practice squad.
With Nacua back in the lineup alongside Davante Adams, the Los Angeles offense regained its primary weapon to combat complex defensive coverages. McVay pointed out that Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mixed up his coverages, but the coaching staff identified specific opportunities to get Nacua the ball against high-level cornerbacks. In two games played this season, Nacua has totaled 14 catches for 199 yards, helping the Rams stabilize their record.
