The Los Angeles Rams have called it ahead of their Week 7 showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, deciding to shut down Puka Nacua for the contest.
Nacua incurred an ankle injury in the Rams’ win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. Nacua finished the game, but Rams head coach Sean McVay raised red flags about the 2023 Second Team All-Pro wide receiver’s availability for Week 7.
Initial speculation proved prescient throughout the week, concluding with the Rams’ decision.
Rams Rule Puka Nacua Out vs Jaguars
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Rams’ decision to sit Nacua against the Jaguars is not completely shocking, despite the challenges Jacksonville presents at 4-2 coming into the contest. Instead, subsequent reporting on Nacua’s injury suggested an absence was possible if not likely for Week 7.
“He’s making good progress,” McVay told reporters on October 17, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who broke the news at the national level. “I am very optimistic about hopefully having him ready after the bye. I think it’ll serve him well and I have confidence in our other receivers to be able to step up.”
Nacua enters Week 7 as the NFL’s leader in receptions, but he lost that title to Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase after “Thursday Night Football.”
How long Nacua remains out is the Rams’ next biggest question to answer.
Insider Lays Out Potential Timeline for Puka Nacua
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a first down against the Baltimore Ravens.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Nacua was expected to miss this week’s contest, and that the Rams could use their Week 8 bye to let him rest even more before returning to the field, particularly given his physical playing style.
“Our understanding … is that he is seriously in doubt for this week,” Rapoport reported on “Good Morning Football” on October 15. “Sean McVay called him day-to-day, said they will learn more about his participation as they go throughout the week. They got the Jags this week and then a bye. So, it could heal in about two weeks.”
McVay echoed those sentiments, suggesting it could be a one-game absence for Nacua.
“I’m very confident in having him ready after the bye,” McVay said, per The Athletic’s Nate Atkins on October 17. “If he’s not able to meet certain criteria to return to performance as opposed to being able to just get back out there and play, then we’ll allow him to continue to work in the meantime. I know he’s going to do everything in his power. He’s attacked his rehab the right way.”
That would be tremendous news for the Rams, except for the fact that Nacua is but one of their key absences against the Jaguars.
Rams’ OL Overcoming Obstacles
GettyRob Havenstein #79 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Rams also ruled starting right tackle Rob Havenstein out due to an ankle injury. Havenstein will miss his third straight contest with the issue. LA started Warren McClendon in Haventein’s stead opposite left tackle Alaric Jackson.
This past offseason, it was Jackson who missed time due to blood clots.
The Rams brought in veteran DJ Humphries during Jackson’s absence, but they have made no such adjustments to replace Havenstein despite splitting their two games without him.
Things could get rougher as teams get more film on McClendon. Still, it is reassuring for the Rams while they navigate Nacua’s absence, however long it lasts. As McVay suggested, Nacua’s absence is an opportunity for the Rams’ other playmakers to step up.
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