Rams Sidelining Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett Until at Least Next Week

Wide receiver Puka Nacua is managing psoas soreness while defensive end Myles Garrett deals with knee swelling, according to coach Sean McVay.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams are monitoring wide receiver Puka Nacua and defensive end Myles Garrett as both players remain sidelined from full team activities. Nacua exited a joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys last Tuesday after sustaining a lower back injury. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the receiver is experiencing soreness in his psoas, the muscle connecting the lower spine to the thigh bone. While the team initially hoped for a quick return, McVay noted on August 17 that Nacua may not rejoin practice until next week.

Defensive end Myles Garrett is also out of the lineup due to swelling in his knee. During recent sessions, Garrett was restricted to working out off to the side under the supervision of a Rams training staff member. McVay indicated that the team will likely wait until next week before allowing the defender to return to the field. The Rams are prioritizing a "return to performance" rather than just a "return to play" for both athletes, ensuring they reach 100% health before resuming full contact.

Psoas Injury and Soft Tissue Management

McVay emphasized a cautious approach regarding Nacua’s soft tissue issues, stating that the team will not push the skill player to return prematurely. The head coach reiterated that despite the importance of practice repetitions for all players, the organization will err on the side of caution to avoid aggravating the psoas soreness. Nacua’s status is currently being evaluated on a day-to-day basis as the team prepares for their international season opener.

Myles Garrett Knee Swelling and Recovery

The Rams' medical staff is managing Garrett’s knee inflammation with a similar level of scrutiny. McVay highlighted that for a player performing Garrett's specific role, knee health is paramount. The defensive end’s absence from team drills is intended to facilitate a full recovery before the regular season begins. The Rams are scheduled to travel to Melbourne, Australia, to face the San Francisco 49ers on September 10.

Aaron Donald Tryout and Retirement Status

Amidst these injury concerns, retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald participated in a workout at the Rams' facility on Saturday. Donald was officially listed as a "tryout" on the NFL’s transaction report this past Sunday, marking his second workout with the team during this training camp. McVay described the session as a way for Donald to use football equipment and emulate game-like settings to gain clarity on his future.

This process is designed to help Donald decide whether he wants to come out of retirement. The workout utilized specific football equipment to mimic the intensity of live situations. McVay noted that these sessions are part of the ongoing process Donald is navigating to determine his interest in returning to the NFL. The Rams continue to facilitate these workouts as the veteran tackle evaluates his potential comeback.