Born in doubt: Will the Rams’ WR play in London after an ankle injury?

Puka Nacua Doubtful for London Game

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a sprained ankle, according to head coach Sean McVay. Nacua suffered the injury in the second quarter of the Rams’ victory over the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday, while attempting to catch a pass in the end zone. Although he returned to the game in the third quarter, he did not receive any more passes. On Monday, McVay expressed optimism about Nacua’s recovery, indicating that the tests performed suggested that the injury would not be long-term. The Rams held their first practice of the week on Wednesday in Baltimore, preparing to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 7. McVay admitted that “it’s hard to say at this point” if Nacua will be able to practice this week.

There’s a difference between returning to the game and returning to performance. You want to put him in a position to have successful results. I think part of that is reflected in whether he can participate in training and really have a good feeling that allows him to feel comfortable and confident in what we would ask of him if he plays.

Sean McVay, Rams head coach

McVay added that, in case Nacua cannot play, he trusts the rest of the team to take on more important roles. When asked about the possibility of Nacua playing in London without training, McVay replied that it would be “difficult to say”. Before the injury, Nacua led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards, and had achieved the most receptions by a player in the first five games of the season in league history. In the game against the Ravens, Nacua had two receptions for 28 yards before the injury, accumulating a total of 54 receptions for 616 yards and two touchdowns so far this season.