Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua was absent from Thursday’s practice as the team prepared for its preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.

Nacua suffered the issue during Tuesday’s joint session with the Dallas Cowboys and left practice early. He returned to the field Thursday but only worked out on the side as the Rams completed their final session before heading to Kansas City.

The wideout receiver is dealing with muscle soreness involving his psoas, which runs from the lower back through the pelvis and toward the legs. The Rams are treating the issue cautiously, with head coach Sean McVay offering an encouraging update on Nacua’s condition.

“Puka is doing good,” McVay said. “We’re just being smart with him. Expect him to be back next week, ready to go.”

Nacua is entering his fourth season in Los Angeles and is in the final year of his rookie contract. He has been a regular participant throughout training camp and preseason preparations before the recent setback.

Nacua was not the only prominent Rams player held out Thursday. Defensive end Myles Garrett also sat out as the team managed swelling in his knee, an issue that has bothered him at times over the past month. Garrett is likewise expected to return to practice next week.