The jet-lagged Los Angeles Rams are back home after a rough trip to Australia, where they were handed a 27-7 loss by the San Francisco 49ers. But it seems they didn’t leave that bad night in the Land Down Under. As they prepare to face the New York Giants on Monday night, the Rams could be missing one of their biggest offensive weapons.

Sean McVay confirmed that Puka Nacua, one of the few bright spots in Melbourne, catching five passes for 74 yards, will not practice for a second straight day, making him questionable for Monday.

“He’s got a little bit of soreness in that groin. Being smart with him as a skill player,” McVay said Saturday. “Whether or not he plays is to be determined. And so we’ll see how he’s feeling, but he won’t practice [Saturday].” 

This isn’t the outcome McVay wanted. Nevertheless, McVay did give some positive news ahead of Monday night: Aaron Donald will play against the Giants.

This is Donald’s first game since returning from retirement. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year said Friday that he planned to play, and McVay confirmed it Saturday.

“He said it, he’s going,” McVay said. “Whatever Aaron says I support.”

However, what’s worth noting is that the entire incident with Puka Nacua happened rather mysteriously. He was not listed on the Rams’ injury report Thursday, when he took part in practice. By Friday, however, he was suddenly absent with what was initially listed as a hip injury.

McVay, however, clarified that the receiver did not completely feel like himself during Thursday’s practice. He also took the time to also point out that this injury to Nacua was different than the one he had already gone through during training camp.

“This is a different thing,” McVay said, making clear that the current issue is separate from Nacua’s preseason injury.

The All-Pro missed roughly three weeks while dealing with a psoas muscle issue after leaving a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys.

Dr. Jesse Morse pointed out that the injury may also have been due to stress caused by the Rams’ recent international travel to Melbourne, Australia, for the Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

“Ok, so maybe I should’ve faded Puka Nacua a little bit more for this season… Now he’s DNP because of a hip issue. Compensation written all over this one, tracked back to his initial groin + hip flexor injury in August,” Dr. Jeff Mueller said as per Pro Football Network.

For McVay, the bigger concern is what Nacua’s absence could mean for an offense that is already searching for answers.

Los Angeles managed only seven points against San Francisco, with the offense struggling to find any rhythm throughout the game. Plus, the receiver room could make things even more challenging.

Jordan Whittington also missed Friday’s practice because of a quadriceps injury and is now considered doubtful for Monday’s matchup. Davante Adams, meanwhile, did return to practice Friday after being on a rest day on Thursday, and he could be asked to take on a much larger role in case Nacua is not available. Adams has caught three passes on six targets for 26 yards against the 49ers. 

Behind him, everyone from Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, C.J. Daniels and Tutu Atwell could all see their responsibilities increase. That would give McVay plenty to think about before facing a Giants defense that arrives in Los Angeles after an opening-week victory over the Dallas Cowboys. 

New York held Dak Prescott and the Cowboys to 175 passing yards in Week 1. But that being said, the Giants have injury questions of their own in the secondary. 

Cornerback Paulson Adebo has been placed on injured reserve and Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome II have appeared on the injury report with calf and rib injuries, respectively.

If Banks and Newsome are not cleared for Monday, then rookie cornerback Colton Hood could be in the line for the first ever start of his NFL career!

Whether Nacua returns and Banks and Newsome suit up could change the passing-game puzzle when the Rams kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET Monday.