Rams Won't Put Puka Nacua on IR, but McVay Says He'll Miss 'a Significant Period of Time'
Los Angeles reversed course on an injured reserve placement for its star receiver, citing roster mechanics, while Davante Adams nears a return
Puka Nacua is staying on the Rams' 53-man roster, but that doesn't mean he's coming back soon. Coach Sean McVay said Wednesday the team will not place its star receiver on injured reserve because of roster mechanics, though Nacua will still miss "a significant period of time," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
Rams HC Sean McVay told reporters that the team will not place Puka Nacua on injured reserve due to roster mechanics, but that the WR still will be out for a “significant period of time.”View on X →
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter): Rams HC Sean McVay told reporters that the team will not place Puka Nacua on injured reserve due to roster mechanics, but that the WR still will be out for a “significant period of time.”
It's a change from Monday, when McVay said the Rams expected to put Nacua on IR with MCL and PCL sprains in his right knee plus turf toe, and that he would be out at least a month. McVay did not lay out the roster considerations behind the decision or give a new timeline. An IR placement carries a four-game minimum, so keeping Nacua on the active roster leaves the Rams the option of bringing him back as soon as he is healthy without using one of their limited return designations.
Either way, the Rams will be without their best player for the foreseeable future. Nacua was hurt on the final offensive snap of Sunday's 20-13 win over the Commanders after catching 14 of 19 targets for 150 yards and a touchdown. He has 70 catches for 715 yards and four touchdowns in seven games, the most receptions through a player's first seven games of a season in NFL history.
There was better news on the other side of the receiver room. McVay said the team is optimistic Davante Adams, out since hurting his hamstring in Week 6, will return sooner rather than later, and ESPN's Sarah Barshop reported that the Rams are targeting a return after the Packers game.
Until then, Matthew Stafford will be working without both of his top targets. The Rams (5-4) visit the Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1:05 PM PT.