Puka Nacua returns to Rams practice as Aaron Donald comes back, Myles Garrett remains out

The Los Angeles Rams took a positive step at Sunday’s practice with wide receiver Puka Nacua back in action after missing what the team has described as the last several weeks. The session marks a meaningful swing in the Rams’ early-season readiness, particularly in how quickly quarterback play can connect with a receiver who has become central to their passing plans.

Nacua’s presence at practice matters less as a headline and more as a practical checkpoint. When a key offensive weapon returns from an extended absence, the first question is not whether he can take part in drills, but whether he can do it consistently and then carry that availability into the rhythm of the week. For the Rams, getting him back on the field at practice suggests a better chance of maintaining continuity heading into Week 1.

On the defensive side, the Rams’ situation remains mixed. Myles Garrett was still out of practice on Sunday, according to the report, and the outlet characterized the absence as “not a concern, for now,” while noting that fans and the organization would prefer to see him return sooner rather than later. Garrett’s status is the kind of monitoring story that can shift quickly from routine to urgent if he is not able to progress.

At the same time, Los Angeles received another defensive note of optimism with Aaron Donald back at practice. Donald’s return to the practice environment matters because he is a stabilizing force in the interior, and his availability often affects how an opposing offense has to plan its protection and run schemes. While the report does not provide detail on workload, the simplest takeaway is that the Rams have at least one of their core defensive pieces moving in the right direction.

Putting it together, the Rams are entering the opening stretch with a clearer offensive picture than they had recently, while their defensive timeline still depends on how Garrett’s absence plays out. Practices in late August typically serve as a bridge between offseason preparation and the fast tightening of weekly game planning, so the next days of participation will carry outsized importance for both the Nacua and Garrett storylines.

What to watch next is straightforward. First, whether Nacua’s involvement continues beyond one session and whether his return looks like full participation or limited work. Second, whether Garrett moves closer to returning, because even short delays can affect preseason reps and the comfort level of the defense in front of an opening-week opponent. With Donald already back, Los Angeles has an anchor on defense, but the edge-rusher spot would round out the picture if Garrett can follow the same path.