Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua re-entered the win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6 after picking up an ankle injury, but his status for Week 7 is now up in the air.
Nacua exited the game before halftime. He fell hard while attempting to catch and then break up a pass attempt that Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey deflected. The 2023 Pro Bowler then began grabbing at his leg before being helped to the Rams’ locker room.
According to Rams head coach Sean McVay, Nacua’s status for next week is unclear.
Rams in Danger of Missing Puka Nacua vs Jaguars
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams is helped off the field after suffering an injury against the Baltimore Ravens.
Nacua finished the game with two receptions for 28 yards, snapping a stretch that saw him catch at least eight passes for 85-plus yards in every contest prior.
There was immediate concern as Nacua left the field and, now, afterward.
“I got an ankle,” McVay told reporters after the game, smiling while being pressed for Nacua’s availability next week. “You think I know all that stuff right now? Come on. You’re better than that.”
McVay’s comments drew plenty of attention from the media. The Rams will face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have dropped two straight games, in London in Week 7.
Nacua played in all 17 games as a rookie but missed six games in 2024.
“Puka Nacua was in the Rams locker room after the game but declined to be interviewed,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins reported on X postgame. “We’ll see how the week goes out here in Baltimore to see whether he can play against the Jaguars next Sunday.”
Puka Nacua Tried to Play Through Injury
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after suffering an injury against the Baltimore Ravens.
Notably, Nacua signaled to Fox Sports’ Erin Andrews before the second half that he was good to go, and even raised eyebrows by warming up with the team. But Nacua did not immediately re-enter the game with the Rams’ offense.
After logging several more snaps, the game ended, and McVay delivered his remarks.
Nacua entered Sunday’s slate of games as the NFL’s leader in targets, receptions, total and per-game receiving yards, and first downs.
The Rams still have weapons in the offense besides Nacua, with Davante Adams topping a list that also includes running back Kyren Williams and tight end Tyler Higbee. However, the Rams were already without Tutu Atwell in this contest.
Even still, the Rams have depth with options like Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield.
There is no replacing Nacua and what he brings to the offense, though, including the attention from opposing defenses that he takes away from his teammates like Adams.
Davante Adams Passes Randy Moss
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with Davante Adams #17 during warmups before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
In a game headlined by the Rams’ defense’s play, and marred by the cloud of Nacua’s injury, Adams surpassed another career milestone.
“WR Davante Adams passed Randy Moss (982) in career receptions and moved to 18th all-time,” Los Angeles Rams PR posted on X, recognizing Adams, who finished with four grabs for 39 yards.
It was a slog for the six-time Pro Bowler in the contest.
Adams now has 26 receptions for 396 yards for the Rams this season.
He also has a 983-12,240-106 line for his career. Notably, Adams entered the day 12 receptions behind Ravens receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the list. Hopkins had two catches for 20 yards.
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