Rams OC Casts Doubt IF Puka Nacua Is Fully Ready To Return Vs. Vikings

It surprised most when the Los Angeles Rams opened Puka Nacua’s 21-day return window ahead of their Thursday Night Football game with the Minnesota Vikings. Nacua has been out with a PCL sprain since their inaugural game against the Detroit Lions. He was added to the injured/reserve list the next day.

Opening this window has allowed Nacua to return to practice. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue reported that he ‘returned to the huddle for the first time, albeit in a walk-through setting.’

Has Puka Nacua Returned to Performance for the Los Angeles Rams?

NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
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While sources have relayed to the NFL’s Tom Pelissero that the Rams are optimistic Nacua could make his return to the field this week, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s statement on the matter revealed exactly where he is in his rehab process, which has not been in a full capacity. As Ms. Rodrigue put it, “[LaFleur] noted that Nacua has not played any football at full speed in a long time.”

“Haven’t seen him out on the field since that Detroit (game) Sunday night, so just to have him at least standing by us and designated to return, (it’s a) pretty good deal,” LaFleur said.

Hayden Winks of Underdog Fantasy posted to X.com that it is rare for a player who has just entered the 21-day return window to play right away and that Nacua is still on the early side of his timeline. He guesses that he will be used ‘situationally if active.’

NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
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In the rehab process for Cooper Kupp, head coach Sean McVay emphasized return to performance, not return to play. Given this reporting, it doesn’t seem that Nacua has yet to prove he can move at peak performance, having just practiced in a walk-through setting.

The Rams offense has been desperately needing a spark, having put up just 16.7 points per game this season. They will get Kupp back for this game, which will open up a good chunk of McVay’s playbook.

Nacua caught four passes on four targets for 35 yards in his only game of the season.

NFL: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers - Puka Nacua
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