Puka Nacua Returns to Practice, on Track to Face Eagles Sunday

The Los Angeles Rams got a lift on Wednesday when head coach Sean McVay announced that All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua returned to practice and is expected to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

Nacua was a limited participant in Wednesday’s session after nearly two weeks away from practice while recovering from a groin injury that the team had officially listed as a hip issue. The injury kept him out of games against the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos.

McVay said the team has been cautious with Nacua’s recovery given the nature of the injury.

“When you have soft tissue injuries with guys like that that are skilled players, you’re going to err on the side of caution,” McVay said.

Nacua caught five passes for 74 yards in the Rams’ season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne but has not played since. His absence left quarterback Matthew Stafford without one of his top targets, forcing the offense to rely more heavily on Davante Adams.

Los Angeles enters Week 4 needing a win to avoid dropping to 1-3 on the season. The Rams’ matchup against the Eagles follows a Sunday Night Football loss in Denver that McVay and the team are hoping to put behind them.

The Rams also disclosed another injury concern Wednesday: Aaron Donald will not practice due to soreness in his back, adding another situation for the team to monitor as the week progresses.