The Los Angeles Rams will have Puka Nacua available for their Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles after the team confirmed he is expected to play Sunday. Nacua, who missed the last two games due to a hip injury, participated in a limited practice on Wednesday and is set to return to the lineup.
Aaron Donald, however, remains questionable for the game after not practicing Wednesday due to a back issue. Rams coach Sean McVay stated the team is taking the situation day by day regarding Donald’s status. "We’re just taking it a day at a time," McVay said. "I wouldn’t want to say anything of that nature yet."
The Rams’ preparations come amid ongoing discussions about a controversial officiating call in their Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos. McVay revealed Wednesday that the NFL contacted the team to acknowledge that defensive back Josh Wallace should not have been penalized for defensive pass interference on a play that negated what would have been a game-sealing interception with 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Broncos capitalized on the subsequent drive, scoring a touchdown to take a 30-26 lead they would not relinquish.
McVay expressed frustration with the call, stating, "They agreed with me," regarding the league’s acknowledgment of the error. The Rams reached out to the NFL after the game to address the officiating decision, though the league has not publicly confirmed the admission. The Rams’ record stands at 1-2 heading into Sunday’s game.
In Nacua’s absence, veteran Davante Adams stepped up with back-to-back 100-yard receiving performances. The Rams’ offense will welcome Nacua’s return, while the defense awaits updates on Donald’s availability. The team’s focus remains on correcting past mistakes and moving forward against the Eagles.
Rams Injury Updates Ahead of Eagles Game
- Puka Nacua: Expected to play after missing two games with a hip injury. Participated in a limited practice Wednesday.
- Aaron Donald: Questionable after not practicing Wednesday due to a back issue. Status to be determined.
NFL Acknowledges Officiating Error in Broncos Loss
The NFL informed the Rams that the pass interference call on Josh Wallace was incorrect, according to McVay. The call nullified a potential game-sealing interception, allowing the Broncos to score a touchdown on the ensuing drive. The Rams’ 30-26 loss dropped their record to 1-2.
McVay emphasized the significance of Nacua’s return to the offense, calling him "a huge part of our offense" and "a great football player." The Rams’ preparation for the Eagles includes addressing the officiating controversy while maintaining focus on the upcoming game.