Rams likely without Puka Nacua for daunting Sunday night test in Denver

The Rams survived “Monday Night Football” at SoFi Stadium without Puka Nacua. But doing it again at altitude at Empower Field at Mile High against a dangerous Denver Broncos defense is much more difficult. 

Nacua was officially listed as doubtful Friday for the Rams’ “Sunday Night Football” showdown against the Broncos, with the All-Pro receiver still battling the lingering hip issue that first flared up during practice last Thursday.

Rams coach Sean McVay offered little reason for optimism Friday, saying it is “more unlikely than likely” that Nacua plays Sunday.

Nacua has not practiced since aggravating the injury and missed Monday night’s 28-6 victory over the New York Giants in the team’s home opener. The good news is the Rams don’t believe this will become a long-term absence. McVay said Nacua is not expected to land on injured reserve and, barring a setback, could return in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Davante Adams made Nacua’s absence almost disappear Monday, torching the Giants for eight catches, 195 yards and two touchdowns. Replicating that performance becomes considerably more difficult against a Broncos defense featuring All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who gives Denver a legitimate option to shadow Adams.

And the Rams’ receiving depth remains compromised. Jordan Whittington, Nacua’s primary backup, continues to deal with a quadriceps injury after also missing Monday’s game, and was limited at practice on Thursday.

That puts more pressure on Konata Mumpfield and a deep tight end room featuring Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson to give Matthew Stafford somewhere else to go with the football.

The Rams entered the contest as 2.5-point favorites, but you have to think that would change following the Nacua news. 

The Rams and Broncos kick off at 5:20 p.m. on Sunday on NBC.

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