Rams without Puka Nacua for ‘Monday Night Football’ tilt against Giants

Puka Nacua tried to give it a go. His injured hip had the final say.

After arriving at SoFi Stadium and testing the injury during pregame warmups Monday, Nacua was unable to get comfortable enough to play and was ruled out for the Rams’ home opener against the Giants on “Monday Night Football.”

His absence leaves Matthew Stafford without his All-Pro receiver as the Rams attempt to revive an offense that scored just seven points in their season-opening loss to the 49ers in Australia.

Making matters worse, Nacua’s backup, Jordan Whittington, entered Monday doubtful with a quadriceps injury. That could push Konata Mumpfield, CJ Daniels, Xavier Smith and Tutu Atwell into larger roles alongside Davante Adams, while Stafford could lean heavily on tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson and Davis Allen.

Nacua’s status had been hanging over the Rams since his unexpected appearance on the injury report Friday.

After participating in Thursday’s practice, Nacua missed Friday and Saturday and was officially listed as questionable. Rams coach Sean McVay said Nacua felt good Thursday but wasn’t completely himself when attempting to open up and reach full speed. McVay described the issue as groin soreness, although the Rams officially designated the injury as a hip.

The development raised additional concern because Nacua battled groin and psoas issues during the preseason.

By Monday morning, the warning lights were flashing.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Nacua was trending toward not playing against New York and characterized the outlook as not sounding promising.

Nacua still came to SoFi hoping his body would give him a different answer.

It didn’t.

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