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Monday Night Football: Puka Nacua is officially inactive with hip injury

PUBLISHED Sep 21, 2026, 7:24 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 23

Center 100%

Sources: 23

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is officially inactive for Monday night's game against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium due to a hip injury. Nacua appeared on Friday's official injury report and subsequently missed back-to-back team practice sessions on Friday and Saturday. Rams head coach Sean McVay clarified that Nacua experienced groin soreness during practice, confirming the issue is unrelated to the psoas strain that affected him during the preseason. During the season opener against San Francisco, Nacua registered five catches for 74 yards. The Rams also ruled out safety Kamren Kinchens and wide receiver Jordan Whittington due to injuries. The Giants deactivated cornerback Deonte Banks and linebacker Micah McFadden. Nacua's next availability window is Sunday's matchup against the Denver Broncos.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 10 2026 Nacua recorded 74 receiving yards against San Francisco.
On September 18 2026 Nacua missed Rams practice due to hip soreness.
On September 19 2026 Nacua missed second consecutive practice and was listed questionable.
On September 20 2026 McVay clarified injury is groin soreness not psoas.
On September 21 2026 pregame reports indicated Nacua likely sidelined against Giants.
On September 22 2026 (4:00 AM) Rams officially listed Nacua on inactive roster.
On September 22 2026 Rams play Giants on Monday Night Football.
On September 22 2026 Davante Adams and tight ends assume primary targets.
On September 27 2026 Rams face Denver Broncos in Week 3 contest.
Rams monitor Nacua's recovery status for next week's game.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Rams top receiving target missed prime-time game with injury.
Possible long-term US impact: Potential impact on Rams offensive output and NFC standings trajectory.
Most affected groups: Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, NFL fans, fantasy owners.
Prioritisation: Monitor official team practice reports before Sunday's next game.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 23
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 23

Explain Framing

Left: Evidence was insufficient. Center: Neutral report detailing player injury designation and official pregame inactives. Right: Evidence was insufficient.

Primary Source

Official Rams inactive report released before Monday Night Football kickoff. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/monday-night-football-puka-nacua-is-officially-inactive-with-hip-injury

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 23
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 23
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Explain Framing

Left: Evidence was insufficient. Center: Neutral report detailing player injury designation and official pregame inactives. Right: Evidence was insufficient.

Primary Source