Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article.
Advertisement

Rams change course, place wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is swarmed by Chargers defenders for a short gain during a Rams win.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is swarmed by Chargers defenders for a short gain during a Rams win on Nov. 1 at SoFi Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
0:00 0:00

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search. Set us as preferred

The Rams on Thursday placed Puka Nacua on injured reserve, meaning the star receiver must sit out at least four games.

Nacua was injured last Sunday on the Rams’ final play of their 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders. Nacua, who had 14 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown, was hit while carrying the ball on a jet sweep.

The Rams have experienced a flurry of injuries, and NFL rules limit teams from activating more than eight players a year from injured reserve.

Advertisement

Sam Farmer makes his picks and predictions for Week 10 of the NFL season, with the Rams beating the Cardinals and the Chargers falling to 0-9.

On Wednesday, McVay said Nacua would not be placed on injured reserve because of “semantics with the roster and things like that,” but that he “still is going to be out for an extended period of time.”

Last week, the Rams activated running back Ronnie Rivers and edge rusher Myles Garrett from injured reserve. The Rams also opened the 21-day window for tight end Terrance Ferguson to return from an ankle injury, and then Ferguson suffered a hamstring injury.

Defensive lineman Kobie Turner could return before the Rams play the Green Bay Packers the night before Thanksgiving, and receiver Davante Adams might return after the Rams play the Packers, McVay has said.

Advertisement

The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks made moves ahead of the trade deadline, creating more problems for the injury-riddled Rams.

Nacua will be sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, and games against the Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. He will not be eligible to return until the Rams’ Dec. 20 game against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams elevated receiver Brennan Presley to the roster from the practice squad and signed receiver Tyler Scott to the practice squad.

Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, Xavier Smith and rookie CJ Daniels are other receivers on the roster.

Go beyond the scoreboard

Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.

Advertisement
Advertisement