Overview
- Rams coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that Puka Nacua will not be placed on injured reserve but will be sidelined for a significant period while he recovers from the injury.
- The team confirmed Nacua suffered sprains to the MCL and PCL in his right knee plus turf toe on the final offensive play against Washington, injuries that will require multiweek rehabilitation.
- NFL injured‑reserve rules require a player to miss at least four games, so the Rams kept Nacua on the 53‑man roster to preserve the possibility of an earlier return tied to their Week 11 bye and the projected Week 14–15 window.
- Los Angeles enters the stretch with depleted receiver depth after placing Jordan Whittington on IR and already having Davante Adams on IR, and the Rams declined to add an established receiver at the trade deadline, increasing reliance on players like Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith.
- Nacua has 70 catches for 715 yards and four TDs in seven games this season, so his absence removes a primary target for Matthew Stafford and will force the Rams to adjust game plans while monitoring his recovery for a possible mid‑December return.