Puka Nacua (knee) back at Rams practice, Ernest Jones absent

Puka Nacua is back at practice for the first time since injuring his knee three weeks ago, but Ernest Jones was not on the field

Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury during the Rams’ joint practice with the Chargers on Aug. 4 and while it was only viewed as a minor ailment, it was serious enough to keep him out of practice for three weeks.

Fortunately, he returned to the field on Monday as the Rams prepare for Week 1 of the regular season. Nacua is still on track to play in the opener against the Lions and his return to practice is a positive step in the right direction. Sean McVay should provide an update on Nacua’s participation level after practice.

Alaric Jackson and Jonah Jackson were also on the field during individual drills, so they’re making progress in their rehab process, too.

Now for the bad news: Ernest Jones was absent from the field during the open portion of practice. News broke on Sunday that Jones has been granted permission to seek a trade, which stems from the lack of progress on a contract extension. Jones responded to the report by saying he “never asked for a trade,” making this a complicated situation.

For now, he isn’t practicing as the regular season approaches.

The Rams open the 2024 campaign against the Lions on Sept. 8 in Detroit.

Update (11:17 a.m. PT): McVay said after practice that Nacua did not participate in full today.