Rams' Puka Nacua likely headed to injured reserve with knee injury, turf toe

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams are preparing to be without star wide receiver Puka Nacua for at least a month after he suffered sprains to the MCL and PCL in his right knee, along with turf toe, during Sunday's 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders.

Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that Nacua will likely be placed on injured reserve, dealing another significant blow to a Los Angeles offense already missing several key contributors, including wide receiver Davante Adams.

"As far as Puka Nacua, he suffered an MCL/PCL sprain and also turf toe," McVay said. "He's going to be out for a good amount of time. He will probably be a guy that we'll put on IR as a result of that."

McVay declined to establish a definitive timetable for Nacua's return but acknowledged that the receiver is expected to miss at least four weeks.

"I'm reluctant to put too much of a timetable, but I would say there's a strong chance that we put him on IR," McVay said. "We're thinking it's going to be at least a month."

Nacua suffered the injury on a jet sweep late in Sunday's game when he absorbed a hard hit to his right knee. McVay said he immediately feared something was wrong after watching the collision.

"I saw the way that he got hit on the last jet sweep that we ran," McVay said. "He got up and came off, but the way that he took a shot just from that guy inside out, it looked like there could have been something there. He's as tough as it gets and he was able to get off, but I was concerned about that."

The injury was particularly devastating considering Nacua's performance against Washington. McVay said the receiver caught 14 of 19 targets Sunday, continuing to establish himself as one of the NFL's most productive offensive weapons.

McVay also acknowledged second-guessing his decision to call the play that resulted in the injury, questioning whether he could have protected Nacua from the violent collision.

"I'd be lying to you if I said I haven't questioned the decision making on that last play over and over in my head of what could have been another option that you felt like could have gotten a conversion and maybe end of the game that would have led to him not taking a violent hit to his right knee," McVay said. "It's stuff that I feel tremendous responsibility for, and we have to be able to figure out how to protect these guys while also putting them in positions that help our team and allow them to be able to shine."

McVay said the Rams have previously discussed ways Nacua could avoid unnecessary contact, including running out of bounds rather than fighting for additional yards. However, he acknowledged that the receiver's physical playing style is part of what makes him special.

"We've talked about those types of things, but that's like telling a tiger not to be a tiger," McVay said.

Nacua's injury creates another significant challenge for a Rams receiving corps already dealing with Adams' absence because of a ruptured hamstring. McVay said he has received encouraging reports about Adams' recovery but does not have a timetable for his return.

The Rams could explore acquiring another receiver before the NFL trade deadline, although McVay emphasized that the organization is also evaluating its current roster and practice squad.

"I think you look at all avenues," McVay said. "I think you have to look at all avenues to try to be able to solve some of the issues or situations or scenarios that have come up. A lot of new things occur on a daily basis, so I would never rule it out."

One player expected to receive an expanded opportunity is rookie receiver C.J. Daniels, whom McVay praised for his preparation and development.

"He's going to get that," McVay said of Daniels receiving additional playing time. "He's done a great job. … He has a lot of maturity for a young guy like I've talked to you guys about. He is a guy that, no question about it, will get an opportunity to play more snaps moving forward."

The injury concerns extend beyond the receiving corps. Starting offensive lineman Steve Avila suffered a hamstring strain against Washington and is expected to miss time, although McVay said the team hopes to avoid placing him on injured reserve because of the limited number of players who can be designated to return.

Beaux Limmer stepped in for Avila on Sunday and earned praise from McVay, who also mentioned Justin Dedich, Dylan McMahon and Bill Murray as potential options along the offensive line.

"Steve has had a really productive year and done a huge amount of good things in both the run and the pass," McVay said. "I thought Beaux showed well yesterday. We're fortunate that that hasn't been an area that we've been decimated at like a lot of other spots."

There was some encouraging news on the defensive side, with McVay saying cornerback Trent McDuffie is progressing from a back injury and could return this week.

McVay also praised the impact of Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald playing together against Washington. Garrett, who recently returned from knee surgery, is expected to see his workload increase as he continues working his way back into playing shape.

"I thought they both did an excellent job yesterday, as did the rest of our guys that were rushing," McVay said. "I thought there was outstanding illustrations of rush and coverage working as one."

Despite the growing injury list, McVay believes the Rams have demonstrated resilience by finding ways to win close games after struggling to finish similar contests earlier in the season.

Los Angeles will travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals on Sunday, potentially without several of its most important offensive players.

"You feel and you empathize for your guys that are getting injured, but it provides another opportunity for somebody else to be able to step up," McVay said. "It's our job to have the flexibility and fluidity to adjust and adapt."

For McVay, the challenge now is finding a way to keep the Rams moving forward without one of the most important players in their offense.

"You feel for those guys but no flinch," McVay said. "Let's move forward and let's be mentally and physically tough like we talk about all the time."