The Los Angeles Rams announced on Monday that their star wide receiver, Puka Nacua, will be placed on the Injured List with a sprained PCL.
Nacua suffered the injury in Sunday’s 26-20 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. After landing on his knee, the second-year wideout needed examination by Rams medical staff on the sidelines. He attempted to get back into action but was forced to call it a day at halftime.
In the same game, the Rams also lost center Steve Avila to an injury. Avila suffered a sprained MCL and is a “candidate” for IL.
While speaking with reporters, Rams’ head coach Sean McWay said that Nacua actually aggravated an injury he suffered in training camp during a joint practice with the LA Chargers. The injury cost Nacua several weeks.
By landing on IL, Nacua will be out for at least four weeks. The earliest he can return is Week 7 against the Los Angeles Raiders, as the Rams are on a bye in Week 6.
This is quite a blow to the Rams, considering Nacua was set to be a big part of their offense in 2024 after a stellar rookie season. Selected with the fifth-round pick out of BYU in 2023, Nacua delivered an all-around fantastic campaign that saw him make 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns en route to Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors.
