Broncos catch a big break, Rams star WR ‘doubtful’ for Sunday

The Denver Broncos almost assuredly won’t have to face Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua on Sunday night.

It’s a huge break for the Broncos as Nacua is one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

But after not practicing all week, Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed that Nacua will be listed as doubtful. The official injury reports for both Denver and L.A. will come out later Friday afternoon.

#Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters that WR Puka Nacua is doubtful for game against the #Broncos.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2026

Nacua had 1,715 receiving yards last season to go along with 10 touchdowns. He caught five passes in Week 1 for 74 yards before sitting out an easy Rams win over the Giants in Week 2 on Monday Night Football.

But a hip injury sidelined Nacua against New York and now likely will have him sit out against Denver, something that’s been on the radar all week.

It frees up star Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II to face-off with Davante Adams, while Riley Moss will draw a much less difficult assignment.

It doesn’t guarantee a Denver win, far from it, but it does take a weapon away from Rams future Hall of Fame QB Matthew Stafford.

McVay also added Nacua could play next week against the Eagles, so it sounds like the Broncos caught a lucky break with how the schedule fell.

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