Things just went from uncertain to decidedly unfortunate for the Los Angeles Rams and Pro Bowl wide receiver and 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Puka Nacua.
The Rams are expected to be without Nacua next week in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and possibly longer, due to an ankle injury that he suffered in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens.
It is also possible that he misses even more time, according to a new insider report.
Puka Nacua Expected to Miss Rams’ Game vs Jaguars in London
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams is helped off the field after suffering an injury against the Baltimore Ravens.
Nacua finished the win over the Ravens with a 2-28-0 line. He picked up the injury on a potential touchdown grab, reaching for his ankle after ensuring Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey did not intercept it.
Team trainers helped Nacua back to the locker room afterward. He signaled that he was good to go coming out of the break and returned to the game in the second half.
Nacua did not catch a pass after halftime.
“#Rams WR Puka Nacua, the NFL’s leader in catches, suffered an ankle sprain that will likely cause him to miss time, per me and @MikeGarafolo,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on October 13.
“It would make sense for Nacua to be out next week against the #Jaguars, then LAR has a bye to regroup and assess.”
However, Rams head coach Sean McVay offered a more optimistic outlook.
According to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, McVay said Nacua “felt pretty good today” and that they were “encouraged” by the medical scans he was slated to receive. McVay called Nacua “day-to-day” with his ankle injury.
The Rams could take a cautious approach because the “style of play, the way and the nature at which he plays, that is something that does weigh into this,” per Barshop.
Nacua has 54 receptions for 616 yards and 2 touchdowns this season for the Rams.
Rams HC Sean McVay Signaled Uncertainty Around Puka Nacua
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Baltimore Ravens.
Nacua did not offer many clues about his status after the win when approached in the Rams’ locker room.
“Puka Nacua was in the Rams locker room after the game but declined to be interviewed,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins posted on X on October 12. “We’ll see how the week goes out here in Baltimore to see whether he can play against the Jaguars next Sunday.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay said it was too soon for him to know Nacua’s status.
“You think I know all that stuff right now?” a smiling McVay told reporters postgame. “Come on. You’re better than that.”
Losing Nacua, who missed six games last season, would be a significant blow to the Rams. He had at least eight receptions and 85 yards in each of the Rams’ first five games. Moreover, his presence opens up opportunities for his teammates.
Quiet Game From Puka Nacua ‘Discombobulated’ Rams
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
With Nacua hobbled and the offense sluggish, the Rams got a strong effort from their defense in the 17-3 win against an injury-ravaged and downtrodden Ravens team. Atkins noted that LA was fortunate for such an impactful performance from that side of the ball.
“The defense really took control of the game and had to take control of it. Because on offense, Puka Nacua got hurt,” Atkins said during a postgame recap video on X. “He only ended up having two catches for 28 yards. Not what we’re used to seeing. And it discombobulated this team a little bit, where Davante Adams didn’t quite have it today. Matthew Stafford, not exactly his best day, but they pulled it out.
“Still, some things for this team to clean up, namely on special teams. That was a really bad performance for that group. And they’re lucky that it didn’t cost them today.”
Both Adams and Stafford would need to be even sharper for the Rams if Nacua is forced to sit.
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