The Rams may have escaped Week 9 with a win, but they’re now waiting on the biggest question of the day: what happened to Puka Nacua’s knee?
Nacua is scheduled to undergo an MRI after leaving Los Angeles’ 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders with a knee injury, according to ESPN. The team reportedly does not think he suffered a torn ACL, though Monday’s imaging will determine how serious the issue is.
The injury came on the final offensive snap for the Rams, with 1:44 left in the fourth quarter. Nacua took a third-and-11 handoff from Matthew Stafford and picked up 5 yards before getting up after a hard hit.
It was the kind of play that usually gets lost in the closing seconds of a game. Instead, it now carries the weight of a potentially significant injury.
Before the scare, Nacua was putting together one of the best performances of the day. He finished with 14 catches on 19 targets for 150 yards and a touchdown, and he also added 20 rushing yards. He was central to the Rams getting back above .500.
If Nacua does miss time, it would add another blow to a receiver group already dealing with major losses. Davante Adams is already on injured reserve after rupturing his hamstring in Week 6 against the Cardinals, an injury expected to keep him out for six to 10 weeks.
Nacua has already dealt with a hip injury earlier this season, but when he’s been available, he’s been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers. He has scored a touchdown in four of his last five games played.
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Puka Nacua Injury Fallout Puts Commanders Collision Under Spotlight
Puka Nacuas knee injury is the biggest lingering concern out of the Rams win over the Commanders, even after a performance that once again showed why he is such a central part of Sean McVays offense. Nacua was productive throughout the game, finishing with 14 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown before leaving with the injury, and the Rams are now waiting on an MRI to get a clearer picture of the damage.
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 🡒]