Puka Nacua likely out four games after Rams knee injury

Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua suffered a right knee injury on the final play of Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders, and he is likely to be placed on injured reserve. The injury diagnosis includes an MCL and PCL sprain along with turf toe. If he is placed on IR, he would miss the next four games, a significant blow for a Rams offense already missing key players.

Nacua was hit on a game-ending third-down handoff while the Rams were leading. The timing made the injury especially painful, because it came in a game the Rams were in position to close out. The Rams are now 5-4 after Week 9, and the loss of their leading receiver comes at a point when the roster is already thin. Davante Adams has been out since Week 6 with a hamstring tear. Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald and Jaylen Watson are also among the players dealing with injuries.

Nacua has been one of the most productive receivers on the team this season. Through seven games, he recorded 70 catches for 715 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers made him a central part of the passing attack before this setback. He had previously missed Weeks 2 and 3 with a hip injury, so this is his second stretch of absence this season. If he is sidelined for the next four games, the Rams would face the Cardinals, Packers, Chiefs and 49ers without him.

Head coach Sean McVay said he feels responsible for the call that led to the play in which Nacua was hurt. That admission places the decision at the center of the team's discussion about the game's final moments. McVay also said the team will explore all options before the trade deadline, which is Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET. Those options include a possible trade for a receiver to help fill the gap left by Nacua and Adams. Quarterback Matthew Stafford would be the player targeting any replacements, which means the team's answer will directly shape the passing game for the rest of the stretch.

Official confirmation of Nacua's injured reserve placement has not yet been announced, and it remains unclear whether the Rams will make a receiver trade before the deadline. Fantasy managers and Rams fans will be watching for updates on both fronts as the week develops, since either decision would reshape the team's receiving group for the games ahead.

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Derek Weston

Sports Writer

Derek Weston covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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