Rams WR Puka Nacua has PCL sprain, headed to IR

 

[September 10, 2024]  Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee Sunday night and will be placed on injured reserve, coach Sean McVay told reporters Monday.

McVay confirmed that Nacua reaggravated a knee injury originally suffered during joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers in August.

McVay initially said Monday that Nacua was an IR candidate, but admitted the injury toll from Week 1 at Detroit was significant. McVay said the injury is "just a little bit more significant" than the injury the receiver had in training camp.

"He's going to go on IR," McVay said. "His injury is going to keep him out for more than a month so that is the move. ... When you only have eight (players who can activated off the IR during the season) and you're already talking about being on maybe six of those in Week 1 ..."

Nacua appeared to sustain the injury on a 6-yard catch with 6:36 left in the second quarter of the Rams' 26-20 loss at the Detroit Lions. He was originally listed as questionable but returned to the game just before halftime.

However, Nacua was carted to the locker room at halftime and ruled out. He had four catches for 35 yards before his night was over.

In 17 starts last season, Nacua set rookie records with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He hauled in six touchdowns.

"I feel for Puka because when he finds out the news and how much it means to him to be out there for his teammates and go compete and how much more he's even put in to get himself back to the position he was last night -- you can see he's an impact player. He's a factor," McVay said. "He just is one of those guys that just makes a difference. It's unfortunate for him and I'm bummed out for the person more importantly."

McVay said the Nacua role could be shared, but rookie sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington showed positive flashes in the opener.

"Tyler Johnson capitalized last night, certainly Jordan. Tutu Atwell is a guy that's played a lot of meaningful snaps for us. We'll see," McVay said. "I have a ton of confidence in Jordan Whittington. He is a man's man."

Rams guard Steve Avila suffered an MCL sprain during the game and is also an IR candidate, according to McVay. Veteran offensive tackle Joe Noteboom (high ankle sprain) will miss at least a few weeks and guard Kevin Dotson (lateral ankle sprain) is considered day-to-day.

--Field Level Media

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