On Thursday afternoon, the Los Angeles Rams unexpectedly announced that Puka Nacua was placed on injured reserve. It was unexpected because one day earlier, Sean McVay told reporters that the Rams weren't going to put Nacua on IR due to roster "semantics."
In a span of four days, the Rams went from "probably" placing Nacua on IR to deciding against it to now putting him on the list.
During his press conference on Friday, McVay explained the decision to ultimately place Nacua on IR, and the reason is simple: The Rams needed a roster spot.
"I'm sure you guys are wondering what changed with Puka. We needed a roster spot," he said. "We didn't need it initially. Semantics, mechanics of it. There was never going to be a time that he was going to be able
to return prior to what I suggested to you guys. It really was not putting him on because of roster mechanics. Some things changed where we needed that spot because of all the moving pieces. That was what we did to be able to get Brennan Presley up and so that was kind of what went into the thought process there."
After placing Nacua on IR, the Rams signed Brennan Presley from the practice squad to the active roster, and also signed Tyler Scott to the practice squad. Hence, McVay saying they needed a roster spot.
McVay added that Nacua is doing well and has started the rehab process.
"He's in good spirits, started his rehab and take it a little bit at a time," he said.
Now that he's on IR, Nacua isn't eligible to return until Week 15. McVay indicated that Nacua was never going to return before that even if he wasn't placed on IR, so that's always been the team's target for the star receiver.
He'll miss games against the Cardinals, Packers, Chiefs and 49ers before potentially returning in Week 15 against the Cowboys.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay reveals simple reason Rams decided to put Puka Nacua on IR
