Rams News
[the_ad id=”105842″]Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua avoided a lengthy injury after spraining his ankle during Sunday’s 17-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Head coach Sean McVay said Monday the team believes Nacua did not suffer a serious setback and considers the receiver day-to-day heading into Week 7.
Nacua injured his ankle in the second quarter while attempting to catch a touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford. He landed awkwardly after battling cornerback Marlon Humphrey for the ball in the end zone. The league’s receptions leader exited the field with assistance from trainers and was ruled questionable to return with a foot injury.
The third-year receiver returned to action in the second half but played limited snaps. He finished the game with two receptions for 28 yards before leaving the contest. Medical staff examined Nacua on the sideline multiple times throughout the afternoon. Team officials later confirmed the injury as an ankle sprain.
McVay addressed Nacua’s status in his Monday press conference. The coach mentioned the receiver’s aggressive playing style factors into decisions about his availability. McVay said that style of play weighs into considerations when determining if Nacua can suit up for games.
The Rams face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Wembley Stadium in London. McVay did not rule Nacua out for that contest but indicated the team would be cautious with the injury. The coaching staff will monitor how the receiver responds to treatment throughout the week before making a final determination on his status.
Los Angeles enters its bye week immediately following the London game. That schedule quirk provides Nacua with additional recovery time if the Rams elect to hold him out of Week 7. The team could rest him for one game and allow him to heal for two weeks before facing the New Orleans Saints on November 2 at SoFi Stadium.
Nacua entered Sunday’s game leading the NFL with 54 receptions through five games. He has recorded 616 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season while averaging more than 100 yards per contest. The former fifth-round pick set an NFL rookie record with 105 catches for 1,486 yards in 2023.
The Rams signed veteran receiver Davante Adams during the offseason to pair with Nacua in the passing attack. Adams caught passes from Stafford throughout Sunday’s victory and would assume a larger role if Nacua misses time. Wide receiver Jordan Whittington and others on the depth chart would see increased opportunities as well.
Los Angeles also dealt with another injury at the position during the week. Wide receiver Tutu Atwell sustained a hamstring injury during Thursday’s practice and was ruled inactive for Sunday’s game against Baltimore. Atwell had emerged as a downfield threat in recent weeks with an 88-yard touchdown reception against Indianapolis in Week 4.
The Rams improved to 3-2 with the victory over Baltimore. They hold second place in the NFC West behind the San Francisco 49ers. The team travels overseas this week before returning home after the bye for a three-game homestand that includes matchups against the Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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