The Los Angeles Rams got back over .500 with a 20-13 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, but the result came with a fresh worry attached. Puka Nacua, one of the team’s biggest offensive weapons, left the game with a knee injury that now has the Rams waiting on more answers.
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reported that the All-Pro wide receiver was hurt on the final offensive snap of the day and is set for an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury, per Adam Schefter and Garafolo.
“All-Pro WR Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury on the final offensive snap today and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury, per Adam Schefter and me,” Garafolo posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
There is at least some early optimism inside the building. Garafolo also said the Rams, including coach Sean McVay, are not expecting the worst right away.
“The team does not believe he suffered a torn ACL, but the imaging Monday will tell more,” Garafolo adds.
Nacua’s season has already been interrupted by a string of health issues. He has appeared on the injury report multiple times and has dealt with groin, calf and now a right knee injury. The groin and calf problems forced him to miss some brief action with the Rams.
His name has also been part of a longer Rams injury list that included Davante Adams, edge rusher Myles Garrett and, about two weeks ago, defensive tackle Kobie Turner.
Garrett, though, made a big return Sunday in the nation’s capitol. The former Cleveland Browns All-Pro looked like the Garrett of old, consistently wrecking protections and pressuring quarterbacks. He finished with three sacks against Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and also forced a fumble after missing seven games with a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.
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The early indication is at least somewhat encouraging, with reports that the team believes he did not tear his ACL. Still, any issue involving Nacua changes the conversation for Los Angeles, especially after he was so heavily involved against Washington, and the next update will go a long way toward shaping the Rams outlook moving forward. [Read more 🡒]