The Los Angeles Rams have placed wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve, confirming a minimum four-game absence after he suffered a knee injury during the team’s Week 9 victory over the Washington Commanders.
Nacua, who had recorded 14 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown in that game, was injured on the final play of the contest while executing a jet sweep. The move to injured reserve was announced Thursday, following initial indications from head coach Sean McVay that Nacua would remain on the active roster despite an extended recovery period.
Immediate Impact and Roster Adjustments
The decision to place Nacua on injured reserve comes amid a series of injury setbacks for the Rams, who have activated multiple players from the reserve list in recent weeks. Running back Ronnie Rivers and edge rusher Myles Garrett were activated last week, while tight end Terrance Ferguson was opened on the 21-day return window before suffering a hamstring injury.
Nacua’s absence will force the Rams to rely on a shallower wide receiver corps, currently featuring players such as Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, CJ Daniels, and Xavier Smith. The team signed Xavier Smith from the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad on Tuesday to bolster the position group.
Timeline for Return
Nacua will miss at least four games, including matchups against the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers. His earliest possible return is slated for the Rams’ December 20 game against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium, pending his recovery progress.
McVay had previously stated that Nacua’s injury was not expected to be season-ending, with reports suggesting a potential return around Week 14 or Week 15. However, the placement on injured reserve formalizes the timeline, ensuring Nacua will not be eligible to return before the designated four-game window.
Coaching Staff Weighs Options
In a lighthearted exchange with reporters, McVay joked about potential solutions to the receiver shortage, including the idea of re-activated assistant receivers coach Robert Woods, a Super Bowl champion with the Rams. Woods, now 34, retired from playing in February and signed a one-day contract to formally retire with the team. McVay acknowledged Woods’ continued smooth movement in practice but did not commit to any roster changes.
Woods, who played five seasons with the Rams (2017–2021), accumulated 367 catches for 4,626 yards and 23 touchdowns during his tenure. His five-year stint included two 1,000-yard receiving seasons and a Super Bowl LVI championship, though he missed the postseason due to a torn ACL.
Broader Context: Rams’ Injury Challenges
The Rams’ roster has been significantly impacted by injuries this season, with multiple key contributors sidelined at various points. Davante Adams remains out with a hamstring injury, while Jordan Whittington was placed on injured reserve with a back issue. The team’s ability to manage the injury list has been constrained by NFL rules limiting activations from injured reserve to eight players per season.
McVay has indicated that defensive lineman Kobie Turner could return before the Packers game, while Adams may return after that contest. The Rams’ upcoming schedule includes critical matchups against division rivals and playoff contenders, making Nacua’s absence a significant setback for their offensive firepower.