The Los Angeles Rams remain optimistic that wide receiver Puka Nacua can return around Week 14 or Week 15, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
That window would put him in position to face the San Francisco 49ers or the Dallas Cowboys.
The update follows comments from head coach Sean McVay after the Rams’ Week 9 win over the Washington Commanders. McVay said Nacua was likely to be placed on injured reserve following knee and toe injuries suffered in that game.
McVay confirmed the injuries as MCL and PCL sprains along with turf toe.
“He’s going to be out for a good amount of time,” McVay said.
He later indicated a strong chance that Nacua would go on injured reserve, with the expected absence lasting at least a month.
On Tuesday, the Rams placed fellow wide receiver Jordan Whittington on injured reserve but kept Nacua on the active 53-man roster.
The decision leaves open the possibility that Nacua can avoid the mandatory four-game absence required by an injured reserve placement.
Los Angeles has a Week 11 bye, which could prove significant. If the team believes Nacua can play in Week 14, keeping him off injured reserve would allow him to miss fewer games. A return in Week 15 against Dallas would also fit the reported recovery outlook.
Nacua has recorded 70 receptions for 715 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this season.
His 14 catches, 150 receiving yards and one touchdown against Washington marked his highest yardage total of the year. He suffered the injuries on the final offensive play of the Rams’ 20-13 victory.
Nacua’s timeline also underscores the pressure on Los Angeles’ remaining receivers. The Rams did not acquire another wide receiver before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
According to The Athletic’s Nate Atkins, the team passed on potential targets including Calvin Ridley, Rashod Bateman and Jauan Jennings. The Rams also did not pursue deals for Keenan Allen or Josh Downs, who were traded to the 49ers and Chiefs, respectively.
Instead, Los Angeles brought Xavier Smith back to fill the roster spot created when Whittington went on injured reserve. The move adds another option but does not replace the production lost to injuries involving Nacua and others.
Davante Adams has been on injured reserve since suffering a ruptured hamstring in Week 6. Tight end Terrance Ferguson has also dealt with hamstring issues, while Whittington is now sidelined.
That leaves more responsibility for players such as Tutu Atwell and Konata Mumpfield as Matthew Stafford works with a depleted group of targets.
The Rams visit Arizona before their bye, then face Green Bay and Kansas City before heading to San Francisco. Nacua’s potential return could provide a significant boost, but the offense must remain productive during his absence.
