More evidence piles up for injured Puka Nacua missing crucial Jaguars showdown

The Los Angeles Rams unquestionably dodged a massive setback in their Week 6 win over the Baltimore Ravens when All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua managed to return from what appeared to be a scary ankle injury.

While he didn't exactly play much after his return, all indications pointed to it not being extremely serious, yet the reality of missing time thereafter was very much there.

Head coach Sean McVay was optimistic for Nacua returning to action for LA's high-profile Week 7 showdown against the surging Jacksonville Jaguars across the pond in England, but McVay's first practice report of the week is pointing precisely in the opposite direction.

McVay told reporters the standout receiver wouldn't practice on Wednesday, putting his status for Sunday's bout in jeopardy.

In the bigger piture, holding Nacua out might actually make some sense for McVay and Co.

Rams may opt to rest Puka Nacua in Week 7 and let him fully heal

Los Angeles' tilt against Jacksonville on the other side of the Atlantic is followed by a Week 8 bye, which possibly affords McVay an opportunity to give his star pass catcher three full weeks of recovery before returning to action in Week 9 against the scuffling New Orleans Saints.

It's a point made by Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper, too, in the wake of Nacua's practice news. And given LA's prospects for getting back into the postseason, a fresh Nacua is certainly better than a hobbled one whose premature return might lead to aggravation or re-injury.

The NFL's leader in both targets (65) and receptions (54) is the unquestioned funnel through which McVay's offense operates.

However, with fellow superstar wideout Davante Adams itching to get back into a spotlight role, it's not as if McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford are bereft of pass-catching talents, should Nacua be unavailable.

Nacua's status will be worth monitoring throughout the week, but it certainly seems reasonable for the Rams to rest him against the Jags rather than rush him back.

Los Angeles and Jacksonville square off on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m. ET from Wembley Stadium in London.