Rams All-Pro Puka Nacua misses practice with muscle soreness. McVay expects him to return next week

Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua missed Thursday's practice due to muscle soreness. Head coach Sean McVay anticipates Nacua will return to practice next week, ready to contribute. Nacua hurt his psoas muscle during the Rams' joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday and worked out on the side the following day.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection, entering his fourth season with the Rams, has been fully participating in training camp and preseason workouts. Defensive end Myles Garrett also skipped Thursday's practice to rest a swollen knee, but is expected to return next week. Stetson Bennett will start at quarterback for the Rams' preseason opener, with rookie first-round pick Ty Simpson also participating.

McVay has not officially named a backup for quarterback Matthew Stafford but believes Bennett has been effective in the role during training camp. Offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase will call the Rams' plays against the Kansas City Chiefs in their preseason opener on Saturday.