Puka Nacua Has Rare 'Psoas' Injury, Latest Rumors on Rams Star's Status vs. 49ers in NFL TNF Opener

The Los Angeles Rams are expecting wide receiver Puka Nacua to suit up for their opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Nacua picked up a psoas injury during an August practice. The injury affects the lower half of the body, with Fowler saying, "You don't hear that very often."

"They held him out for a few weeks, taking it easy with him, but he's been back in stride this week, no setbacks," the NFL insider reported on the star pass-catcher.

Coach Sean McVay also spoke positively about Nacua earlier this week:

The two-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in receptions (129) and finished with 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025. He made his first All-Pro team.

The 2026 season could be a pivotal one for Nacua as he's headed for free agency in the spring. He could plausibly overtake the Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.2 million) as the league's highest-paid receiver when he signs his next contract.

At the very least, another 1,000-yard campaign would likely put Nacua into the $40 million region.

For their part, the Rams are counting on the 25-year-old to help anchor the passing game. They were already all-in on chasing another Super Bowl title, and they doubled down further by acquiring Myles Garrett and coaxing Aaron Donald out of retirement.

Los Angeles' Week 1 matchup could have playoff implications when considering the Rams and Niners finished with the same record a season ago. Having Nacua on the field will be a big boost to the offense.