The Los Angeles Rams are set to get back star wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is expected to make his return to the lineup this Sunday after the team’s bye week.
Nacua, who was on a historic pace to challenge single-season reception records, suffered a low ankle sprain in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens. Fortunately for the Rams, the injury sidelined him for only one contest — the team’s Week 7 victory in London — with the subsequent Week 8 bye providing the necessary time for recovery.
Now, the 5-2 Rams are fully expecting their offensive centerpiece, who has racked up 54 catches for 616 yards this season, to be "ready to go" for their Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, instantly boosting a unit looking to solidify its spot atop the NFC West.
Here's the latest updates on Nacua's expected return.
Will Puka Nacua return in Week 9?
UPDATE: More good news for Nacua, who is expected to return to practice on Wednesday, head coach Sean McVay said.
Sean McVay said he expects Puka Nacua and Rob Havenstein to be back at practice on Wednesday and play on Sunday.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) October 27, 2025
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Nacua is expected to return on Sunday after missing only one game.
Rams WR Puka Nacua is expected to return from his sprained ankle to play Sunday against the Saints.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2025
That is a clear indication Nacua has a good chance to play this week. We'll know more on Wednesday.
END OF UPDATE
Schefter reported that McVay is "optimistic" about Nacua returning to action in Week 9 versus the Saints, so his chances of coming back after a one-game absence appear to be good.
If Nacua does sit out another game, Davante Adams will once again serve as the Rams' No. 1 wide receiver. In Week 7, Adams only tallied 35 yards with Nacua sidelined, but he also scored three times.
Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell were expected to get a boost with Nacua out for that game, but Atwell wasn't targeted at all and Whittington only recorded two receptions for nine yards. Neither one is a viable starter in fantasy football.
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