Wide receiver Puka Nacua will miss at least the next four games after aggravating a knee injury in the Rams' Week 1 loss to the Lions.
The Los Angeles Rams' disappointing start to the season has been compounded by the loss of a key offensive weapon. Puka Nacua, who emerged as a promising playmaker during his rookie campaign last year, has been placed on injured reserve with a PCL sprain.
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter of the Rams' 26-20 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1. Nacua limped off the field after making a catch and entered the medical tent on the sidelines. He briefly returned to the game but eventually required assistance from a cart to get to the locker room.
Rams Lose Key Playmaker Puka Nacua to Injured Reserve
This PCL sprain is a setback for Nacua, who initially suffered the injury during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers on August 4th. Despite missing time in training camp, he returned on August 26th, much to the delight of the team and its fanbase.
Head coach Sean McVay announced the news of Nacua's placement on injured reserve on Monday, emphasizing his significance to the offense. "You can see he's an impact player," McVay said, via ESPN, about Nacua. "He gets four targets, he has four catches for almost 50 yards. He has a jet sweep, he does stuff in the run game. He's a factor. He just is one of those guys that just makes a difference."
Rams Lose Key Playmaker Puka Nacua to Injured Reserve
The Rams were already dealing with a rash of injuries heading into Week 1, including right tackle Rob Havenstein with an ankle injury and left tackle Alaric Jackson with a two-game suspension. During the game, Joe Noteboom, who was filling in for Jackson, suffered a high ankle sprain and is likely to miss significant time.
With Nacua sidelined, the Rams' passing attack will rely heavily on star wide receiver Cooper Kupp. In Week 1, Kupp received an astounding 21 targets as the Rams desperately tried to maintain their lead late in the game. Despite the high volume, he finished with 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Rams Lose Key Playmaker Puka Nacua to Injured Reserve
The Rams' injury woes extend beyond the receiving corps. Left guard Steve Avila is likely to join Nacua on injured reserve with an MCL sprain, while right guard Kevin Dotson was spotted in a boot on his left foot after the game.
As the Rams prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, they will need to find ways to offset the absence of several key players. The loss of Nacua, in particular, will be a significant blow to their offensive firepower.
