Puka Nacua, Myles Garrett Eye Practice Return Next Week, McVay Says
Nacua (core muscle) and Garrett (knee swelling) could rejoin practice next week — but McVay is prioritizing performance over a rushed return.
Minor core injury; still the WR1 in our 2026 ranks with no camp panic.
- Nacua: core muscle injury, still sore per McVay
- Garrett: knee swelling, was moving around at practice
- Nacua ranked WR1, our #2 overall for 2026
- 375 PPR pts in 2025 (actual, 16 games)
- Rams host Saints Saturday in Week 2 preseason
Rams head coach Sean McVay gave fantasy managers a small dose of good news after Monday's practice: both Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett are on track to return to the field next week. Nacua is nursing a core muscle injury suffered last week, while Garrett has been dealing with knee swelling — neither is expected to miss meaningful regular-season time based on McVay's tone.
McVay described Nacua as doing well but still carrying some soreness, and said the team is taking it a day at a time on whether he waits until next week. Garrett, meanwhile, was out moving around before practice, and McVay expects to have a clearer timeline on both players within the week. Translation: this is cautious camp management, not a red flag.
The key phrase from McVay was that he wants a "return to performance, not just a return to play." He stressed that no matter how good a player is, the Rams need their stars practicing to prepare for what he called a long, challenging season. That's coach-speak for erring on the side of caution — exactly what you want to hear about a WR1 in mid-August.
Why Nacua Is Untouchable
Nacua is our #2 overall player for 2026 and the top-ranked wideout, and last season (2025) shows why: 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, plus 105 rushing yards and a rushing score, good for 375 PPR points across 16 games. He also closed 2025 hot, averaging 6.9 fantasy points above his season pace over his final five games. A tweaked core muscle in preseason doesn't dent any of that.
The names worth flagging are further down the depth chart. McVay noted that offensive lineman Keagan Trost and receiver Mario Williams are both dealing with hamstring injuries and could miss a few weeks — the kind of soft-tissue issues that linger longer than the vague timelines coaches give. Neither is a fantasy priority, but Williams' absence is worth tracking if you're speculating on late-round Rams pass-catchers.
Fantasy verdict: hold, and don't overthink it. Nacua remains a first-round lock and there's zero reason to soften your draft-day plans over a soreness-level injury with a next-week return target. If a nervous leaguemate is trying to fade him in a dynasty deal, that's a buy-low window — but for redraft purposes, keep him cemented at the top of your board. The Rams host the Saints on Saturday, so watch for whether Nacua and Garrett suit up, though don't expect big preseason snaps for either.
