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The Los Angeles Rams will be without Puka Nacua for at least four games after placing the star wide receiver on injured reserve Thursday, creating another major setback for an already depleted receiving corps.
Nacua injured the MCL and PCL in his right knee and sustained turf toe during Sunday’s 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders. Head coach Sean McVay initially indicated that the team would keep the receiver on its active roster, but Los Angeles changed course to make room for additional roster moves.
The Rams signed wide receiver Brennan Presley from their practice squad to fill Nacua’s spot on the 53-man roster. They also added Tyler Scott to the practice squad as they look to address their shortage of healthy receivers.
Nacua Set to Miss at Least Four Games
Nacua must miss at least four games while on injured reserve, making Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys the earliest possible point for his return. The Rams have a bye in Week 11, but the absence requirement applies to four games rather than four calendar weeks.
Los Angeles will face the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers during that stretch. Nacua’s absence leaves the Rams without one of their most important offensive weapons as they approach a difficult run of games.
McVay described the injury as an issue that would keep Nacua sidelined for an extended period. The coach initially said the receiver could miss at least a month, but the decision to place him on injured reserve confirms that he will be unavailable for multiple games.
Rams Face Major Receiver Shortage
Nacua’s injury adds to the Rams’ problems at wide receiver. Davante Adams has been on injured reserve since rupturing his hamstring in the team’s Week 6 loss to the Cardinals, while Jordan Whittington is also sidelined.
Los Angeles will need contributions from its remaining healthy receivers, including Tutu Atwell, rookie CJ Daniels and Konata Mumpfield. The team stood pat at the trade deadline, leaving its current group to handle the increased workload.
Nacua had been outstanding when healthy, recording 70 receptions for 715 yards and four touchdowns in seven games. His 70 catches set an NFL record for the most receptions by a player through his first seven games of a season, according to ESPN Research.
The two-time Pro Bowler also missed Weeks 2 and 3 with a groin injury. He returned to deliver one of his best performances of the season against Washington, finishing with 14 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown before suffering the knee and toe injuries on the Rams’ final offensive snap.
Los Angeles improved to 5-4 with the victory, but losing Nacua for at least four games will make its push through the middle of the season considerably more challenging.
