Although Sunday’s 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders extended the Los Angeles Rams’ win streak to three games and put them over .500 for the first time this season, it came with a detrimental injury.
Superstar wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to be placed on injured reserve after he suffered MCL and PCL sprains as well as turf toe late in the fourth quarter during Sunday’s win, head coach Sean McVay told reporters. He did not provide a return timeline.
Nacua suffered the injury during the Rams’ final offensive snap of the game, where he took a handoff and cut upfield before being hit by safety Jeremy Reaves and linebacker Sonny Styles, which caused his leg to twist. He briefly remained on the field before walking off on his own power.
It’s a brutal blow for Los Angeles, who arealready without WR Davante Adams (ruptured hamstring) for the foreseeable future, leaving Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson in line for more targets as the Rams look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Adams was injured in Week 5 and originally given a 6-10 week recovery timeline, although McVay said he expected the veteran wideout to return on the shorter side. The Rams and Seattle Seahawks don’t meet until Week 15, meaning he’ll likely be back on the field by then.
However, Nacua may not be.
Los Angeles is in line to play the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers before their bye in Week 1, seemingly putting them in a position to be without both their top receivers for at least two weeks.
Like Seattle, they sit just outside the playoff picture:
1. San Francisco 49ers (7-1)
2. Minnesota Vikings (6-1)
3. New York Giants (5-2-1)
4. Carolina Panthers (3-5)
5. Chicago Bears (7-2)
6. Detroit Lions (6-2)
7. Green Bay Packers (6-3)
Then, both the Seahawks and Rams stand at 5-4. Given the strength of the NFC, missing Nacua—even if he heals quick, could be detrimental for Los Angeles.
